The Embedded Tradition of Confucian Values in Organizational Culture

Confucian values have influenced and shaped every aspect of the lives of East Asian populations, including organizational culture and the way business has been practiced for over 2000 years. The purpose of this study is to examine and understand what and how Confucian values influence HRD practices within Korean organizational contexts. The central questions for the researcher are, what Confucian values are reflected in HRD practices in Korean organizational contexts? And, how do those Confucian values influence HRD practices? Data were collected primarily through semi-structured interviews with thirteen HRD practitioners and adult educators. Six items emerged from the qualitative data: (a) group harmony; (b) respect of hierarchy; (c) propriety; (d) face; (e) bond of affection; and (f) distinctive gender roles. This study concludes by discussing some important points. They are: (a) Confucian values that the participants discussed in this study exist in an embedded manner in organizations, and the values are manifested in their attitudes and behavior; (b) the tradition of hierarchical Confucian human relationships is embedded in organizational culture and reflected in HRD practices; (c) it was evident that participants’ internalized sense of group harmony is reflected in their work.