ABSTRACT
The cultural environment of South Korea is typically regarded as being shaped by Confucian ideals, a low level of trust and a high degree of collectivism. This chapter proposes a more focused view by redefining trust viewed through the lens of informal networks, which characterize Korean society. The latter, especially so-called Yongo ties, can also be regarded as more suitable for defining collectivism. Social ideals in Korea can realistically be described as individualistic and collectivistic at the same time. It is the informal network context that determines when individualistic or collectivistic behavioral ideals dominate. As Yongo is exclusive and, by nature, to a great extent predefined and given by birth, practical implications that are important for the management of expatriates in connection to ethical behavior are discussed.
