The Problem of Appropriateness of the Rokeach Value Survey in Korea

Rokeach's (1973) Value Survey has been widely used in recent years, but little attempt has been made to examine the extent to which the RVS samples are relevant to all cultures, especially in East Asian societies. This research attempts to investigate the appropriateness of RVS in the Korean setting through two separate studies: a) a value analysis of Korean school textbooks; and b) a value survey of Korean managers. Whereas the RVS provides many important values that are relevant to Korean culture, it does not involve the facets of Confucian group-oriented values such as filial piety, harmony and unity with others, co-operation, and loyalty. Further areas not measured in the RVS are frugality, initiative, and aggressiveness. The findings are discussed in relation with other recent studies. Lastly, the implications of these findings for using the RVS in cross-cultural studies are also examined.