| This study examined the cultural differences and communication styles between Korean merchants/employees and Black patrons in South Los Angeles to determine what each cultural group perceived as appropriate and inappropriate behaviors (rules for communication interactions) and outcomes from rule violations. The goal of the study was to identify, describe and explain, from direct observations, communication competencies in intercultural communication between Blacks and Koreans in a business context.;Results from the study indicate that differences in culture, communication styles, and preconceived notions on the part of each group as to how the other would behave played a significant part in ineffective communication between Korean merchants/employees and Black patrons.;Twenty Korean businesses in South-Central Los Angeles with over 99% Black clientele were used for this study. Respondents were twenty merchants/employees and twenty-two patrons. Data gathered from ethnographic observations, survey and interviews were recorded and content analyzed. |
