An analysis of factors influencing organizational structure in two East Asian nations

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between culture, history, government policies and the development of economic institutions. Specifically, the paper discusses the impact that history and culture, including the influence of Confucianism, have played in shaping the economic institutions of South Korea and the People’s Republic of China. Research results indicate that culture, history and government policies all played a role in shaping the organizational structure of these two East Asian nations. However, China’s economic landscape is dominated by small and medium-sized, family-oriented firms, particularly in the rural parts of the country. The South Korean economic landscape, on the other hand, is dominated by large conglomerate firms called Chaebols which are also dominated by one family.

Keywords:

• Culture
• confucianism
• chaebols
• economics
• history
• organizational structure

Data availability statement

It is not possible to share data associated with this article since it would violate rules associated with human subjects. The researchers had to complete Institutional Review Board (IRB) certification for this research project. In that certification, the researchers had to provide a written statement stating that information pertaining to research study participants will not be shared with third parties. The same assurance was directly provided to the research participants.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anand Krishnamoorthy

Dr. Anand Krishnamoorthy is Associate Professor of Finance at Troy University. In this capacity, he teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses at the university. He is actively involved in research both in and out of his primary discipline.

Patrick Holladay

Dr. Patrick Holladay is Associate Professor of Tourism Management at Troy University. He is based at the university’s Brunswick, Georgia site. He is actively involved in academic research. Although a majority of his research is in his primary discipline, he has published outside his area as well.