The Influence of Cultural Factors on Leadership Perceptions

Abstract

The purpose of the study was set as to explore cultural influence on leadership perceptions in South Korean organizations in India. The results indicated that South Korean leadership style is perceived as task oriented, while Indian leadership as relationship oriented. Significant factors which made Indian respondents prefer to relationship-oriented leadership were a leader's concern for subordinates, general supervision, two-way communication, delegation, which related to the leader-leaders' concern for individual growth of subordinate. The findings also imply two distinct subcultures, which are one of Indian and the other of South Korean within the South Korean organization in India, in addition to common practices between Indian and South Korean. Therefore, the present study contributes to practicing researchers, managers, professionals, and management practitioners who are concerned with business in India or business with Indians as providing the information with respect to Indian or South Korean cultures, particularly their working cultures.