The History and Characteristics of Small Business
Koreans or (and) Korean Americans have been known to dominate in the area of small business. This is because restrictions on immigration by ethnic groups were eliminated after 1965, and the United States experienced a large migration of exceedingly educated Koreans (Norton 1). However, not all of these Koreans were able to transfer their credentials and occupy the same occupations they had in Korea. Therefore, in order to satisfy their American Dream and to earn (secure) a stable life, or anjong, they began to venture in small businesses (Park 3). By 1990, Korean Americans were ranked the highest (most successful) minority group in self-employment in the country.
It is the characteristics of Korean Americans that allow them to thrive in small businesses. These business owners are usually middle class, highly educated, and determined. When asked why Korean Americans were so successful in entrepreneurial small businesses, Dami Seo, a University of California: Irvine international studies major, responded that it is "ethics of integrity and the [will] to continue for his or her life" that allow Korean Americans to thrive. They are willing to work hard with long hours. For example, the hours of a Korean American business owner can be as long as sixteen hours a day, starting from 4:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M. (Park 49). They are also willing to venture out and do business in non-Korean communities. Many of Korean American businesses lie in the most disheartening locations, such as the slums of Los Angeles and New York City, which is (are) heavily populated with African Americans and Mexican Americans.
The majority of Korean American businesses are groceries and supermarkets, green grocery, fish markets, and dry cleaners. Korean business owners are usually helped out by fellow family members that are willing to work with no pay. However, not all employees are related family members. A survey averaged that... [continues]
Koreans or (and) Korean Americans have been known to dominate in the area of small business. This is because restrictions on immigration by ethnic groups were eliminated after 1965, and the United States experienced a large migration of exceedingly educated Koreans (Norton 1). However, not all of these Koreans were able to transfer their credentials and occupy the same occupations they had in Korea. Therefore, in order to satisfy their American Dream and to earn (secure) a stable life, or anjong, they began to venture in small businesses (Park 3). By 1990, Korean Americans were ranked the highest (most successful) minority group in self-employment in the country.
It is the characteristics of Korean Americans that allow them to thrive in small businesses. These business owners are usually middle class, highly educated, and determined. When asked why Korean Americans were so successful in entrepreneurial small businesses, Dami Seo, a University of California: Irvine international studies major, responded that it is "ethics of integrity and the [will] to continue for his or her life" that allow Korean Americans to thrive. They are willing to work hard with long hours. For example, the hours of a Korean American business owner can be as long as sixteen hours a day, starting from 4:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M. (Park 49). They are also willing to venture out and do business in non-Korean communities. Many of Korean American businesses lie in the most disheartening locations, such as the slums of Los Angeles and New York City, which is (are) heavily populated with African Americans and Mexican Americans.
The majority of Korean American businesses are groceries and supermarkets, green grocery, fish markets, and dry cleaners. Korean business owners are usually helped out by fellow family members that are willing to work with no pay. However, not all employees are related family members. A survey averaged that... [continues]
Cite This Essay
- APA
-
(2007, 01). Korean Small Business. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 01, 2007, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Korean-Small-Business-103519.html
- MLA
-
"Korean Small Business" StudyMode.com. 01 2007. 01 2007 <http://www.studymode.com/essays/Korean-Small-Business-103519.html>.
- CHICAGO
-
"Korean Small Business." StudyMode.com. 01, 2007. Accessed 01, 2007. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Korean-Small-Business-103519.html.
