Improving Cross-Cultural Training Programs in Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present current cross-cultural training (CCT) programs in Korea, including programs for expatriates in large corporations as well as programs for foreign workers, multi-cultural family members, and students. The two main themes of this paper are to 1) apply Bolten’s cross-cultural training methods to current CCT programs in Korea, and 2) make recommendations for improving such CCT programs in Korea. Upon applying Bolten’s CCT methods to current CCT programs in Korea, we found that 1) seminars using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions might be the most convenient and effective training methods amongst the General Intellectual Training methods; 2) Culture-specific assimilators, seminars, language training, and case studies were all applicable amongst the Specific Intellectual Training methods; 3) of the General Experiential Training methods, self-assessment surveys were the most effective in understanding culture while intercultural communication workshops in the form of various multi-cultural festivals were also found to be effective; 4) most methods falling under the category of the Specific Experiential Training methods that included bicultural communication workshops, area simulations, role plays, and field trips were all applicable for CCT programs in Korea. Recommendations for improving CCT programs in Korea should 1) conduct regular assessments using a diverse range of assessment tools, 2) benchmark other successful programs and utilize useful resources found overseas, 3) provide training for Koreans who either work or live with foreigners, 4) provide customized training programs for individual trainees, if possible, and 5) use various training techniques based on authentic data.