The tension between hierarchy, autonomy and innovation: Transforming Korean corporate culture for increased innovation

Driving innovation within traditional hierarchies is the challenge and triumph of Korean corporate culture. This research explores the impact of hierarchical structures on innovation and employee autonomy in Korean corporate culture. The study investigates how traditional hierarchical models influence the flow of ideas and employee behaviour and how they influence innovation. Through interviews with employees from various companies in Korea, the research explores how they experience organisational and social hierarchy, employee autonomy, Korean cultural values and the impact of these factors on innovation. The research paper makes recommendations on how to stimulate innovation for companies in Korea in its practical implication section and gives advice for further research, including a larger sample size and a focus on specific sectors.