Interstices: Workplace satisfaction, inclusion, and the cultural adjustment of expatriate academics at South Korean universities nationwide

Abstract

The number of expatriate faculty members in Korea has been falling since 2013, intimating that Korean universities face a problem with international faculty satisfaction. This research develops a model for expatriate faculty overall workplace satisfaction at Korean universities by integrating acculturation and enculturation theory, social interaction and social connectedness, and workplace inclusivity considerations while delineating between them. Results are based on quantitative analyses of survey data from 318 PhD holding expatriate faculty working at over 50 universities nationwide. Regression results indicate that social interaction, an “identity blind” inclusive work environment, enculturation, and an “identity conscious” inclusive work environment are positively related to overall workplace satisfaction. By comparison, Korean ethnicity is negatively associated with workplace satisfaction, something explained in terms of Korean organizational culture and associated work expectations. Suggestions to facilitate the development of places to integrate and participate within established Korean university organizational cultures are ventured.