Background:Extreme temperatures affect health, but nationwide evidence on injury-related hospitalization and economic burden in East Asia is scarce. We aimed to quantify the nonlinear and lagged associations between ambient temperature and injury-related hospitalization and the attributable economic burden. Methods:This nationwide time-stratified case-crossover study used the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (2010-2019) of adults (≥20 years). The exposure was the district-specific percentile of daily mean temperature, and the outcome was inpatient hospital admission for injury. Conditional logistic regression with distributed lag nonlinear models (7-day lag, 3 degrees of freedom) was used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) at the 1st and 99th percentiles, each relative to the minimum injury temperature, adjusting for holidays, particulate matter concentrations (lag 0-1), and humidity. Analyses were stratified by age, sex, economic activity, residential area, and injury type. Societal economic burden was estimated using a human capital-based cost-of-illness approach. Results:On analyzing 198,937 hospitalizations, a distinct U-shaped relationship emerged. At the 1st percentile (cold), the RR was 1.151 (95% CI = 1.091, 1.214) with delayed effects (lags 1-6) primarily affecting limb injuries. Conversely, at the 99th percentile (heat), the RR was 1.157 (95% CI = 1.081, 1.239) with acute risks (lags 0-3) associated with severe injuries, such as multiple trauma (RR = 2.434, 95% CI = 0.886, 6.687) and burns (RR = 1.995, 95% CI = 1.272, 3.129). The total heat-related economic burden (24,649 million South Korean Won) exceeded that of cold (7,853 million South Korean Won). Individuals with low income, economically active groups, and provincial residents exhibited increased vulnerability to extreme heat, whereas females and the economically inactive population exhibited susceptibility to extreme cold. Conclusions:Nonoptimal temperatures increase injury risk and economic burdens while exacerbating inequalities. Integrating economic evaluations and targeted interventions into climate adaptation strategies is thus essential.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. While the transportation industry is recognized as high-risk for CVD, variation across subsectors and occupations remains unclear. We evaluated CVD risk across subsectors and occupations in South Korea's transportation industry. This retrospective cohort study used linked data from Korean National Health Insurance Service and Employment Insurance databases. Male workers aged 35-54 years in 2013 who remained in the same occupation during 2012 and underwent health screening in 2012-2013 were included. Follow-up continued through 2022. We calculated age-standardized incidence rates, standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), and population-attributable fractions across industries, with stratified analyses by subsector, occupation and lifestyle factors. Among 2 300 512 workers, transportation industry exhibited the highest age-standardized CVD incidence rate (558.9 per 100 000 person-years) and population-attributable fraction (1.49%) of all industries. Within 182 551 transportation workers, driving-related occupations showed the highest SIRs, especially in land and freight subsectors. Aviation subsectors had lower CVD incidence and more favorable health indicators. These patterns remained consistent after stratification by obesity and smoking status. Substantial heterogeneity exists in CVD risk across transportation subsectors and occupations. Targeted prevention strategies are needed for high-risk groups, particularly drivers.

Background The Republic of Korea introduced the Serious Accidents Punishment Act (SAPA) in 2021 to improve workplace safety by holding company leaders legally accountable for serious accidents but its impact on injury trends has not been well established. This study evaluated SAPA’s effect on age–sex-standardized injury incidence rates (ASRs) in the Republic of Korea’s manufacturing sector, examining differences by company size (≥50 vs. <50 employees), sex, and injury type (inpatient vs. outpatient). Methods Using National Health Insurance Service Cohort data (January 2011–April 2024), we employed interrupted time-series design to assess SAPA’s effects from January 2022. Injury data (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Edition: S00–T88) were standardized using the 2015 Republic of Korea Statistical Information Service population. Generalized least squares regression analysis with an autoregressive moving average structure was performed to analyze ASR trends across subgroups. Results Following SAPA implementation, nonsignificant decreases in both inpatient and outpatient ASR were observed among men in companies with 50 or more employees. Among women, inpatient ASR showed opposite patterns according to company size; however, after Benjamini–Hochberg adjustment for multiple comparisons, these effects did not retain significance in the full 2011–2024 dataset. A sensitivity analysis restricted to 2017–2024 suggested that the increase in <50-employee companies may represent a robust signal in the more recent period. Conclusion SAPA implementation was not associated with statistically significant changes in injury rates in most subgroups after multiple testing adjustment, consistent with the early post-implementation experience of analogous international legislation. Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested differential responses by sex and company size, necessitating longitudinal research to evaluate the law’s long-term preventive effects.

BACKGROUND:The relationship between low social support at work and insomnia remains underexamined, especially regarding the mediating effect of job satisfaction. Our study focuses on unveiling how job satisfaction potentially shapes this association. METHODS:Data on paid workers were obtained from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. The multivariable logistic regression models, stratified by sex, were conducted to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for insomnia. An interaction and causal mediation analyses on insomnia were conducted between low social support at work and job satisfaction. RESULTS:Among the 19,394 workers (9,046 male and 10,348 female), 1,490 (16.5%) male and 1,678 (16.2%) female had low social support at work and 524 (5.79%) of males and 867 (8.38%) of females experienced insomnia. The relationship between low social support at work and insomnia was significant in both sexes (adjusted OR [95% CI], male, 1.71 [1.39-2.12]; female, 1.34 [1.12-1.60]), respectively. In the interaction between social support at work and job satisfaction on insomnia, there were significant multivariable relationships. Additionally, 30.3% of the relationship between low social support at work and insomnia was mediated by job satisfaction in both sexes. CONCLUSION:We highlight the significant relationship between low social support at work and insomnia. Job satisfaction plays a crucial mediating role in this relationship.

Expatriates can provide multinational enterprises (MNEs) with an effective knowledge governance mechanism to buffer institutional deficiencies or maximize institutional benefits associated with varying intellectual property (IP) regimes. Building on the implications of both transaction cost minimization and value maximization through expatriate utilization, this study explores how MNEs adjust their use of expatriates in manufacturing subsidiaries contingent on host country IP regimes. The study also examines how R&D-manufacturing colocation and the parent firm’s technological competence moderate the relationship between host country IP regimes and expatriate utilization. Using a global dataset of South Korean MNEs, this paper finds support for a U-curve relationship between the strength of host country IP regimes and the MNE’s expatriate staffing levels in manufacturing subsidiaries. The results also reveal that the U-shape relationship is strengthened by R&D-manufacturing colocation but weakened by the parent firm’s R&D intensity. These findings provide important implications for research and practice pertaining to MNE management in different IP regimes in general and expatriate utilization in particular.

Purpose The aim of this paper is to offer a comprehensive overview of the field of international human resource management (IHRM) research by tracing its evolutionary development over a 24-year period. The study seeks to understand how the field has progressed by considering historical research themes and their subsequent integration into more recent scholarly work, thereby identifying current and emerging research trends. Design/methodology/approach This paper employs bibliometric analysis to examine the evolutionary path of IHRM research from 1995 to 2019. A dataset of 1,507 articles from journals specializing in IHRM, international business and general management was created. Analysis at the keyword, thematic and network levels was conducted to identify trends, historical context and the interrelatedness of research themes. Findings The analysis reveals that IHRM research has gone through several phases of thematic focus, from initial emphasis on cultural differences and expatriate management to more recent topics like global talent management and digital transformation. Earlier research themes continue to be incorporated and re-contextualized in modern scholarship, highlighting the field’s dynamic nature. Originality/value This paper is one of the first to use a bibliometric approach to systematically examine the evolution of IHRM research. It not only provides a historical perspective but also outlines future research trends, incorporating the institutional logic perspective. The findings offer deep insights that are valuable for researchers, practitioners and policymakers interested in the development of IHRM research and its practical implications.

The impact of economic engagement on the health of cancer survivors is notable. Our study aims to explore the association between early loss of economic activity (EA) and the risk of all-cause mortality among gastric cancer survivors. This retrospective cohort study utilized data from Korea's National Health Insurance Service, focusing on 30–59-year-old gastric cancer patients who received either surgery or endoscopic procedures from January 2009 to December 2013. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality. Early loss of EA was identified when a patient's insurance status shifted to dependent within one year following treatment. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95

This study explores Samsung's unique regional specialist programme, a pivotal strategy that transformed the company into a global powerhouse. We conduct a thorough analysis of the programme from multiple perspectives, encompassing human resource development and management, expatriation management and talent management. Additionally, we examine Samsung's field expert programme, which complements the esteemed regional specialist programme. We find that the regional specialist programme enriches expatriates' skills through overseas exposure, alleviating expatriation challenges and fostering loyalty. Simultaneously, it broadens the talent pool for future leadership. In a different vein, the field expert programme offers flexibility and aligns with specific industry needs in overseas subsidiaries. This study provides both theoretical and practical insights, valuable for companies seeking to manage their international ventures more adeptly and navigate competitive global markets.

This study examines the health impacts of a 2017 wildfire on residents in both exposed and non-exposed areas, highlighting the increasing importance of health consequences related to natural disasters in contemporary society. The research utilizes retrospective data to compare health outcomes before and after the wildfire, between the two groups. Health impacts are assessed through rates of outpatient visits and hospitalizations, with a focus on conditions such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia in the exposed area. The study conducted rapid analysis using advanced techniques, including the double-difference method and time series analysis, to identify significant changes and outcomes. Expert consultations and the Delphi method enhanced the accuracy of the analysis, aiding in the identification of vulnerable areas and health conditions. The research emphasizes the importance of collaboration with various agencies to secure data during the pre-preparedness phase and recommends proactive on-site investigations and tracking and observation protocols during retrospective analysis. In the response phase, the focus was on rapid data collection, advanced analysis identification of high-risk populations in exposed areas, and precise tracking and response strategies. Furthermore, the study suggests the potential for proposing legislative measures to support residents in exposed areas. The establishment of a comprehensive and systematic monitoring system based on the findings of this research, is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of natural disaster exposure and its associated health impacts, as well as to the development of effective response strategies.

Background: Replacement drivers represent a signi ficant portion of platform labor in the Republic of Korea, often facing night shifts and the demands of emotional labor. Research on replacement drivers is limited due to their widespread nature. This study examined the levels of presenteeism and absenteeism among replacement drivers in comparison to those of paid male workers in the Republic of Korea. Methods: This study collected data for replacement drivers and used data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey for paid male workers over the age of 20 years. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the differences between paid workers and replacement drivers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% con fidence intervals for presenteeism and absenteeism by replacement drivers. Strati fied analysis was conducted for age groups, educational levels, income levels, and working hours. The analysis was adjusted for variables including age, education, income, working hours, working days per week, and working duration. Results: Among the 1,417 participants, the prevalence of presenteeism and absenteeism among replacement drivers was 53.6% ( n = 210) and 51.3% ( n = 201), respectively. The association of presenteeism and absenteeism (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 8.42 [6.36-11.16] and 20.80 [95% CI = 14.60-29.62], respectively) with replacement drivers being signi ficant, with a prominent association among the young age group, high educational, and medium income levels. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that replacement drivers were more signi ficantly associated with presenteeism and absenteeism than paid workers. Further studies are necessary to establish a strategy to decrease the risk factors among replacement drivers. (c) 2024 Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Institute, Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Background: Self-employment is a significant component of South Korea's labor force; yet, it remains relatively understudied in the context of occupational safety and health. Owing to different guidelines for health checkup participation among economically active individuals, disparities in health maintenance may occur across varying employment statuses. Objective: This study aims to address such disparities by comparing the risk of all-cause mortality and comorbidities between the self-employed and employee populations in South Korea, using nationwide data. We sought to provide insights relevant to other countries with similar cultural, social, and economic contexts. Methods: This nationwide retrospective study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Participants (aged 20-59 y) who maintained the same insurance type (self-employed or employee insurance) for >= 3 years (atleast 2008-2010) were recruited for this study and monitored until death or December 2021-whichever occurred first. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, cancer, and hospitalization with a mental illness. Age-standardized cumulative incidence rates were estimated through an indirect method involving 5-unit age standardization. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the adjusted hazardratio (HR) and 95% CI for each sex stratum. Subgroup analyses and an analysis of the effect modification of health checkup participation were also performed. Results: A total of 11,652,716 participants were analyzed (follow-up: median 10.92, IQR 10.92-10.92 y; age: median 42,IQR 35-50 y; male: n=7,975,116, 68.44%); all-cause mortality occurred in 1.27% (99,542/7,851,282) of employees and 3.29%(124,963/3,801,434) of self-employed individuals (P<.001). The 10-year cumulative incidence rates of all-cause mortalitydiffered significantly by employment status (1.1% for employees and 2.8% for self-employed individuals; P<.001). Therisk of all-cause mortality was significantly higher among the self-employed individuals when compared with that amongemployees, especially among female individuals, according to the final model (male: adjusted HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.42-1.45;female: adjusted HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.84-1.94; P<.001). The risk of the secondary outcomes, except all types of malignancies,was significantly higher among the self-employed individuals (all P values were <.001). According to subgroup analyses,this association was prominent in younger individuals with lower incomes who formed a part of the nonparticipation groups.Furthermore, health checkup participation acted as an effect modifier for the association between employment status andall-cause mortality in both sexes (male: relative excess risk due to interaction [RERI] 0.76, 95% CI 0.74-0.79; female: RERI1.13, 95% CI 1.05-1.21) Conclusions: This study revealed that self-employed individuals face higher risks of all-cause mortality, cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, and mental illnesses when compared to employees. The mortality risk is particularly elevated in younger, lower-income individuals who do not engage in health checkups, with health checkup nonparticipation acting as an effect modifier for this association

IntroductionDespite several studies on the association between work-family conflict (WFC) and sleep disturbances, a more comprehensive approach considering occupational factors is lacking. We aimed to analyze this association among Korean workers and the combined effects of WFC and job-related factors on sleep disturbance.MethodsData on paid workers from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey were analyzed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sleep disturbances with WFC were calculated using a multiple logistic regression model among Korean workers. Furthermore, stratification and interaction analyses were conducted between WFC and socioeconomic factors related to sleep disturbance.ResultsAmong the 24,923 workers (male: 11,752, female: 13,171) examined, 35.40% of males and 39.95% of females experienced sleep disturbances. In both sexes, the WFC group was significantly associated with sleep disturbance [adjusted OR (95% CI): male, 2.90 [2.67-3.16]; female, 2.54 [2.35-2.74]]. According to the stratification analysis, the association between sleep disturbance and WFC was prominent among younger and highly educated individuals, those engaged in quick returns, and larger companies in both sexes. In the interactions between WFC, quick return, occupation, and company size on sleep disturbance, there were significant additive associations, except between WFC and occupation among female workers.ConclusionThis study highlights the association between WFC and sleep disturbances in male and female workers and emphasizes the importance of maintaining work-life balance.

This study explores the path of new knowledge creation in international joint ventures (IJVs) by investigating the mediating role of formal and informal communication. The organizational learning platform, encompassing commitment, cultural difference, and cultural alignment, is analyzed as a key determinant of effective communication between IJV partners, ultimately leading to new knowledge creation. Based on survey data collected from 136 Korean parent firms of IJVs, we find that organizational learning platforms significantly influence formal and informal communication between IJV partners. Specifically, commitment to partners and cultural difference primarily promote formal communication, while cultural alignment positively affects both formal and informal communication. Moreover, our results highlight that formal communication has a stronger impact on IJV knowledge creation compared to informal communication. These findings hold valuable implications for managers of IJVs and parent firms, shedding light on the factors that contribute to new knowledge creation in IJVs. The study emphasizes the importance of nurturing an effective organizational learning platform and leveraging formal and informal communication strategies to facilitate knowledge creation in IJVs.

BACKGROUND:This study assessed the relationship between non-participation in health check-ups and all-cause mortality and morbidity, considering socioeconomic status.METHODS:Healthy, middle-aged (35-54 years) working individuals who maintained either self-employed or employee status from 2006-2010 were recruited in this retrospective cohort study from the National Health Insurance Service in Korea. Health check-up participation was calculated as the sum of the number of health check-ups in 2007-2008 and 2009-2010. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of all-cause mortality were estimated for each gender using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for age, income, residential area, and employment status. Interaction of non-participation in health check-ups and employment status on the risk of all-cause mortality was further analyzed.RESULTS:Among 4,267,243 individuals with a median 12-year follow-up (median age, 44; men, 74.43%), 89,030 (2.09%) died. The proportion (number) of deaths of individuals with no, one-time, and two-time participation in health check-ups was 3.53% (n = 47,496), 1.66% (n = 13,835), and 1.33% (n = 27,699), respectively. The association between health check-up participation and all-cause mortality showed a reverse J-shaped curve with the highest adjusted HR (95% CI) of 1.575 (1.541-1.611) and 1.718 (1.628-1.813) for men and women who did not attend any health check-ups, respectively. According to the interaction analysis, both genders showed significant additive and multiplicative interaction, with more pronounced additive interaction among women who did not attend health check-ups (relative excess risk due to interaction, 1.014 [0.871-1.158]).CONCLUSION:Our study highlights the significant reverse J-shaped association between health check-up participation and all-cause mortality. A pronounced association was found among self-employed individuals, regardless of gender.

In the present world where global disruptions are prevalent and globalization is being challenged and transformed, multinational enterprises (MNEs) are under increasing pressures to promote sustainability. A myriad of challenges and tensions created by growing inequality within and between countries, cities, and individuals, coupled with recent disruptions in the global economy, beg important questions regarding the role of MNEs, urging both managers and policymakers to make smarter decisions concerning the interests of a wider range of stakeholders. This introductory chapter discusses a variety of contemporary issues and questions about inequality, geography, and global value chains, followed by the summaries of the chapters included in this book. The discussions herein offer academics, students, and practitioners a richer understanding of how MNE activities are being affected by the complex dynamics of the modern global business environment and what strategies they need to implement in order to adapt to a changing world while accounting for the interests of a broad range of stakeholders.

A replacement driver is a type of gig worker who provides driving services to the target point with the drunk driver’s own car. This study aimed to examine the association of replacement drivers (ref: paid workers) with depressive symptoms. Information on replacement drivers was collected through online/offline surveys. Data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were applied to construct the control group. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9; ≥5 points was defined as depressive symptoms. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by performing multivariable logistic regression analysis. The mean age of replacement drivers was 56.11. The prevalence of depressive symptoms in replacement drivers and controls were 49.63% and 12.64%, respectively. Replacement drivers showed a higher association with depressive symptoms than paid workers (aOR 7.89, 95% CI [5.53–11.26]). This relationship was prominent in the older, low-education, and low-income groups. Linear discriminant analysis was the most effective in predicting depressive symptoms among the machine learning models. Using the replacement driver feature increased the AUC values of the models. Given the strong association between depressive symptoms and replacement drivers, in-depth studies to establish guidelines to prevent mental diseases among replacement drivers are required.

The association between adherence to medical check-ups and new-onset depressive symptoms, after adjusting for comprehensive risk factors such as social characteristics, remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between mental health and participating in medical check-ups. The survey data of participants aged 60 to 89 were recruited from the seventh Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging. The primary outcome was new-onset depressive symptoms within 2 years measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Participating in medical check-ups was defined as undergoing biennial medical check-ups. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with consideration of a 2-year time lag. Among 4255 participants, the prevalence of new-onset depressive symptoms was 7.36% (n = 313). The prevalence of non-participation in medical check-ups was 11.96% (n = 509). The adjusted OR of new-onset depressive symptoms by non-participation in medical check-ups was 1.65 [95% CI 1.22–2.24; p = 0.001] after adjusting for various demographic, behavioral, occupational, and social participation characteristics. Our findings demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between participation in medical check-ups and new-onset depressive symptoms. It is necessary to monitor and manage depressive symptoms in vulnerable elderly individuals who do not participate in medical check-ups.