The news about Former President of South Korea Roh Moo-hyun taking his own life after allegations of corruption may receive mixed reactions across the world. However, this critical moment of truth epitomizes the extent to which ‘saving face’ becomes a core cultural value of collectivistic cultures.
Check out http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090523/ap_on_re_as/as_skorea_obit_roh for the entire story. President Roh Moo-hyun’s final words include:
‘What’s left for me for the rest of my life is just to be a burden to others’
‘Don’t be too sad. Aren’t life and death both part of nature? Don’t feel sorry. Don’t blame anybody. It’s destiny.’
Contrast this with some of the high profile corruption charges levied against leaders/ politicians in other cultures. What are your thoughts?
Cultural Competence Think Tank 
May 26, 2009 at 1:26 am |
Interesting juxtaposition. Many of us in managerial positions have been in a situation where we were going to “lose face.” So what is the choice” Try to save face from that particular situation, and potentially lost more face should the situation worsen? Or “lose face” by owning up, which in many cases actually causes you to “gain face.” The air of infallability, or “face” is a misperception. A comic book ideal. Management is about people, and people respond to other people who they can related to. Idolotry is not a management style.