The study aims to recognize the gathering culture for workers, which is not present in the western cultures and thought to be formed in the Korean industrialization period. The study aims to suggest new ways to enhance the gatherings for workers as cu...
The study aims to recognize the gathering culture for workers, which is not present in the western cultures and thought to be formed in the Korean industrialization period. The study aims to suggest new ways to enhance the gatherings for workers as cultural events, mainly utilizing on party-focused events. When gatherings for workers becomes party-focused multicultural content, the gatherings will well reflect the social trends and meet the needs of employees; thereby enhancing the satisfaction and loyalty of employees and strengthening the organization cohesion for improvements in work efficiencies. All benefits combined will have a positive impact at the national level as well.
To observe the transition of the gathering of workers, the study observed related references from 1980’s to today, which most likely formed today's gathering of workers cultures. The keywords for the study were ‘gathering for workers’, ‘gathering cultures for workers’, ‘party’, ‘corporate party’, and ‘party culture’; these keywords were most relevant to the study’s purpose and were utilized for finding relevant news, feasible studies, and other references.
Prior to suggesting new ways to enhance the party-focused gathering for workers, the study thoroughly observed the concept and the transition of gatherings of workers. Also, based on the perception and opinions of the employees on the perspectives, the study points out the problems and current situation of today's gathering for workers to find ways to improve the problems. Thus, the study conducted interviews as a qualitative research method.
The study conducted interviews on a total of 26 participants, 15 men and 11 women who work in Seoul and Gyeonggi area. The results are as follows:
First, the mode for the number of gatherings for workers was once a month; 1~2 times a week followed. The mode for the desired number of gatherings for workers was once a month; once a week followed. There was minimal difference in an actual number of gatherings for workers and the desired number of gatherings for workers. Also, employees felt uncomfortable and limited in the gatherings because of hierarchical order, and the choices were only given to certain top hierarchies. The overall perceptions of the gatherings for workers culture were negative; the gatherings for workers were perceived as coercive and oppressive atmosphere, in which higher positions offered alcohol beverages to juniors which often lead to over-drinking or binge drinking.
Second, a culture of gatherings for workers, despite many various problems it presents, is an irreplaceable culture for a smooth operation of an organization. The culture also serves as a method to boost morale and alleviate stress from work.
Third, many employees simply wished to improve the problems that appeared in the gatherings for workers; Most of the employees preferred a free environment where individual had choices to eat or drink to their preferences and individualistic experience-focused gatherings for workers.
The study aims to provide suggestions for ways to improve the culture of gatherings for workers in party-focused gatherings for workers, which is experience-focused and multicultural content.
First. ‘Show-watching party-focused gathering for workers’ aims to fill the needs of employees who cannot have a cultural life due to overtimes at work, which limit them to enjoy performances and movies. This type of gathering for workers will help to reduce stress from work and open a discussion on the mutual topic in which employees can share personal opinions. Thus, such gathering of workers will help employees to freely communicate, whereas they would only discuss business-oriented discussions in the office.
Second, ‘Leisure party-focused gathering for workers’ brings together employees to participate in various sports activities such as bowling, pool, screen golf, tennis, and others to unify team as one; this type is an experience-focused gathering for workers. It may boost the morale of employees who lack in physical activities and help to promote unity among the members. Experience-focused gathering for workers will help to promote unity and health of the participants, which can be utilized for dual roles for well-being gathering for workers and social party.
Third, ‘Gourmet party-focused gathering for workers’ can be called ‘wine party', ‘beer party’, ‘chicken and beer party’, ‘pizza party’ or ‘barbecue party' depending on the main food or alcohol. This gathering of workers will focus on the food and converse. The Gourmet party-focused gathering for workers resembles that of the basic form of gathering for workers, and matches the casual concept of a party in life.
Fourth, ‘Social Contribution party-focused gathering for workers’ is a one-off gathering for workers that can occur for a limited number of people on a certain date and place. This type of gathering for workers promotes the image and sales of the company, which is the host of the event. Event participants, the employees and regular people can enjoy the gathering for workers and simultaneously contribute to the society. Thus, both host and the participants can be satisfied in the gathering for workers
‘Party-focused gathering for workers’ can be utilized as a multi-cultural content, in which the host and participants can communicate both ways. Due to recent cultural changes in which one can name the event ‘a party’. In a modern party-focused gathering for workers, all members can plan and participate, which will help to increase the voluntary participation rate, enhance organization cohesion and teamwork, and augment the sense of belonging and loyalty. The study was conducted in hopes bringing about further researches related to party-focused gathering for workers. All related works will help to implement a proper gathering for workers culture in the Korean society.