Title: Yin-Yang representation of financial crisis: a Korean perspective

Authors: Amee Kim; Frederique Jos Vanheusden

Addresses: Christ Church Business School, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK ' Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK

Abstract: Although the concepts of Western-Eastern integration to optimise management strategies are well-established, investigations on the applicability of these concepts in real-life situations are lacking. This study investigates how integration of (Eastern) Yin-Yang principles of seeking balance into Western concepts benefited Koreans in combating financial crises repercussions. Through analysis of 519 South Korean economic magazine covers taken over the period 2007-2012, the study shows the mindset of Korean society during the 2008 financial crisis. The covers provide a balanced interpretation of crisis events as both disastrous and opportunistic. Traditional Yin-Yang values therefore appear to be preserved in Korean management philosophy, even though contemporary Korean business strategies are strongly influenced by Western principles. By comparing these findings with social attitudes during previous crises in Korea, the study provides a real-life example of possible benefits of integrating Eastern and Western philosophy in management strategies.

Keywords: Yin-Yang harmony; media; South-Korea; financial crisis; identity; economic magazines; colour interpretation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2019.103177

International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, 2019 Vol.12 No.4, pp.385 - 408

Received: 18 Nov 2018
Accepted: 02 Dec 2018
Published online: 21 Oct 2019 *

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