In the business context, what specific communicative aspect is affected by the established Korean social hierarchies related to seniority?

The specific communicative aspect most affected is the *opennessand *directnessof expressing opinions, disagreements, or critical feedback. In Korean business culture, junior employees are generally expected to show deference to their seniors and avoid directly challenging their ideas or decisions. This can lead to a more hierarchical communication style where opinions flow primarily from senior to junior employees, with less upward feedback. Junior employees might express their opinions indirectly or subtly, relying on 'nunchi' to gauge the senior's receptiveness. Direct criticism, even if constructive, is often avoided to preserve harmony and save face. This can impact the speed and effectiveness of decision-making, as well as the overall level of transparency in communication. The degree of directness is carefully calibrated based on the relative seniority of the individuals involved.