Ethical challenges faced by Korean development practitioners in international community development practices

Abstract

Abstract Establishing development ethics is a rising concern for Korean NGOs with a relatively short history of engaging in international community development. This study explores the ethical challenges faced by Korean development practitioners. This study draws on in-depth interviews with 13 Korean development practitioners experienced in community development projects in Asia and Africa. The exploration of contexts affecting ethical practices suggests the influence of religion, professionalism and boundaries, neo-liberal and managerial culture. The findings of this study highlight the significance of reflective practices for development ethics by illustrating how development practitioners identified and constructed norms and principles through critical encounters with their emotions and challenges in practice. This study’s practical implications include drawing attention to emotions as a source of reflection by involving underpinning values and judgement. The importance of reflective practices warrants further exploration of building collective ethics to inform and challenge international community development practices.