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Managing the human side of cross-border acquisitions in South Korea

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  • Froese, Fabian Jintae
  • Pak, Yong Suhk
  • Chong, Li Choy

Abstract

Since the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998, Korea has experienced a dramatic influx of foreign capital directed toward ailing Korean firms. This study shows how three Western companies integrated the human resources and organizational cultures of their Korean target firms and how Korean employees responded to the implemented changes. Data revealed that changes in human resource management and organizational culture were not only tolerated but even appreciated by the employees of Korean target firms. However, organizational culture changes encouraging more individualism and contradicting Confucian values were negatively perceived. The paper concludes with a discussion of the study's practical implications and limitations.

Suggested Citation

  • Froese, Fabian Jintae & Pak, Yong Suhk & Chong, Li Choy, 2008. "Managing the human side of cross-border acquisitions in South Korea," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 97-108, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:43:y:2008:i:1:p:97-108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Jaerim Choi & Theresa M. Greaney, 2022. "Global Influences On Gender Inequality: Evidence From Female Employment In Korea," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 63(1), pages 291-328, February.
    3. Sarabi, Almasa & Froese, Fabian J. & Chng, Daniel H.M. & Meyer, Klaus E., 2020. "Entrepreneurial leadership and MNE subsidiary performance: The moderating role of subsidiary context," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(3).
    4. Jieun Chang & Youngho Kang, 2019. "Instrumental Variable Estimates of the Effect of Management Practices on Firm Performance in Korean Firms," Journal of Labor Research, Springer, vol. 40(1), pages 106-125, March.
    5. Zahoor, Nadia & Khan, Zaheer & Sinkovics, Rudolf R., 2022. "The Role of Emotions in Cross-Border Mergers & Acquisitions: A Systematic Review of the Inter-Disciplinary Literature and Future Research Agenda," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(4).
    6. Faruk Balli & Eleonora Pierucci, 2015. "Globalization and international risk-sharing: do political and social factors matter more than economic integration?," CAMA Working Papers 2015-04, Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University.
    7. Yipeng Liu & Ralf Bebenroth & Yi Yang, 2022. "East-Meets-West: Mergers and Acquisitions challenges and opportunities in and out of Asia," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 21(5), pages 715-744, November.
    8. Jong Min Lee, 2022. "MNCs as dispersed structures of power: Performance and management implications of power distribution in the subsidiary portfolio," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 53(1), pages 126-155, February.
    9. Balli, Faruk & Pericoli, Filippo M. & Pierucci, Eleonora, 2018. "Globalization and international risk-sharing: The role of social and political integration," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 324-345.

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