Perception of psychosocial and intercultural differences by Koreans living in Poland. Case studies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15503/onis2025.3Abstract
- Aim. The subject of this study is the characterization of how Koreans living in Poland perceive psychosocial and intercultural differences.
- Concepts and Methods. The study employed a case study method. The decision to use a qualitative paradigm stems from the multidimensionality and complex nature of the topic being developed. To create comprehensive analyses of six study participants, free-form psychological interviews and qualitative analyses of the VSM 2013 questionnaire (Hofstede and Minkov, 2013) were used. Data processing was conducted using thematic analysis.
- Results and Conclusions. The obtained results provide a detailed picture of the participants’ experiences in areas of perceived intercultural differences and their impact on daily life. This study also allows for capturing the adaptive strategies used, views on Polish culture, and similarities and differences in the experiences of the participants, taking into account their length of residence in Poland. Common points for most participants turned out to be the perception of intercultural differences at the level of power distance, individualism, and in the area of gender role perception. The participants also perceived changes in the perception of Korean culture abroad due to the Korean Wave phenomenon. In the context of adaptive strategies, a strong preference for surrounding oneself with compatriots, presented by the participants, proved to be significant. The conducted study allows us to conclude that this is associated with limiting contacts with Polish culture.
- Cognitive Value. This article contributes to broadening knowledge about psychosocial and intercultural differences experienced by Koreans living in Poland, which may have implications in the context of professional work in a multicultural environment and allow for a better understanding of the impact of Korean culture’s popularity on individuals.
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