The cultural dimension of qualitative research based on interviews: methodological reflections based on Franco-Korean research

This paper presents a case for the contextualisation of research methods in cross-cultural management studies, focusing on the Korean context. The study addresses the growing call for 'decolonialised' research approaches in international management, emphasising the importance of indigenous concepts and cultural sensitivity. Through a collaborative effort between a Korean and a French researcher, the study examines the experiences of French expatriates and their Korean colleagues in French companies operating in Korea. The research methodology is a reflexive analysis, nurtured by the dialogue between both researchers looking back at the fieldwork conducted by the Korean researcher. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the cultural dynamics at play and highlights the necessity of adapting qualitative research methods to suit the Korean context. The findings underscore the significance of tailoring interview techniques to align with Korean cultural specificities, namely the language, Uri(우리), Nunchi(눈치) and Che-myeon(체면), thus challenging the universal applicability of Western-centric research methods. The article concludes by proposing strategies for conducting field research in Korea and advocates for a broader reconsideration of social science research methods to account for cultural nuances in diverse settings. This research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on decolonising management studies and offers practical insights for researchers engaged in cross-cultural investigations, particularly in non-Western contexts.