Korean Businesses

Chris Rowley, Johngseok Bae

For some time now, the Asian tigers have been viewed by many as a major force leading world economic growth in the coming era. Recent financial crisis, however, has raised questions about the underpinnings and longevity of economic success in Asia, which has led commentators to become sceptical about the much-heralded Korean model, a retreat from hagiography which was undoubtedly salutory and timely. However, critics may have gone too far in their efforts to remove themselves from popular mythology. This volume represents a broader and more historical perspective in order to demonstrate the determinants of Korean economic success, a more balanced view which is long overdue.Essays in the volume focus on the Korean model of industrialization and internal internationalization, organizational capabilities and management roles, and the disadvantages inherent in the model. The subjects covered include the sources and underpinnings of economic growth and industrialization, corporate catch-up strategies, foreign investment, and the causes of the financial crisis and future possibilities. Links are made to longer-term trends and the sustainability of the Korean model.

Introduction: The Icarus Paradox in Korean Business and Management/CHRIS ROWLEY and JOHNGSEOK BAE -- Financial Contagion in East Asia and the Origins of the Economic and Financial Crisis in Korea/JOHN CATHIE -- The Korean Electronics Industry: The Japanese Role in Its Growth/ROBERT J. CASTLEY -- Latecomer Catch-up Strategies in Electronics: Samsung of Korea and ACER of Taiwan/MIKE HOBDAY -- Global Competition and Latecomer Production Strategies: Samsung of Korea in China/YOUNGSOO KIM -- The Emergence of Korean and Taiwanese Multinationals in Europe: Prospects and Limitations/ROGER VAN HOESEL -- Conclusion: Korean Business and Management - The End of the Model?/CHRIS ROWLEY and JOHNGSEOK BAE -- Abstracts -- Index.