Cultural Adaptation Factors and States
19
Frequency and T-Test
First, the frequency and T-Test results indicate some differences between the two
cultural groups. The most striking difference is with preparation of which the Koreans are
significantly higher (3.15) than the Mexicans (1.64). This result indicates that Korean
managers are much better prepared before they entered the intercultural situation. Our
information shows that most Korean managers have had higher education degrees and
have gone through various training programs before they were assigned the job and
moved to Mexico. On a less significant level, Mexicans showed higher expectation (4.45)
than Koreans (4.14). This finding in general, suggests that Mexicans are more eager to
succeed and learn about the Korean culture. Perhaps due to the more education
experiences, it is not surprising that Koreans showed a higher level of communication
skills (3.33) than Mexicans (2.56). Koreans also reported a higher score on time being in
contact with the other culture (3.59) than Mexicans (2.49). This is due to the fact that the
job turnover rate is high in Tijuana in general and workers change jobs rather frequently.
This is one of the important factors that concern joint-venture organizations in Tijuana
and maintaining a low turnover rate is regarded as an indicator of success for a
maquiladora. In this study, many Mexican workers may have worked for Japanese or
American companies before they came to Samsung. Therefore, this item does not account
for total contact with all other cultures, which may be longer for some Mexican workers.
The T-Test shows that Koreans and Mexicans alternate on the adaptation states.
Koreans are higher on the anticipation state, showing a higher excitement level and
curiosity about the Mexican culture. Mexicans are higher on the peak state, indicating a
higher level of satisfaction at the time of the survey. We believe this may be explained by
Convention