Business Environment Adaptation of Vietnamese International Students in Korea: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resources in Transformational Self-Leadership Effects

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines how Vietnamese international students adapt to Korea's competitive business and academic environment, focusing on the mediating role of psychological resources (resilience and self-efficacy) in the relationship between transformational self-leadership and adaptation outcomes. Methods: Using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), this research analyzed data from 288 Vietnamese students studying in Korea. The model examined relationships between Individual Transformational Leadership Orientation (ITLO), resilience, self-efficacy, Korean language adaptation, and university adjustment. The study addresses adaptation challenges in Korea's highly competitive business-oriented educational environment, which reflects broader Asian business culture dynamics. Results: Findings revealed that ITLO significantly enhances resilience (β=0.554, p<.001) and self-efficacy (β=0.472, p<.001). However, ITLO showed no direct effects on Korean language adaptation (β=0.087, p=.157) or university adjustment (β=0.102, p=.078). The findings reveal complete mediation effects (VAF > 0.6), indicating that psychological resources serve as essential mechanisms for international student adaptation in competitive Asian business environments. Conclusion: The findings suggest that universities operating in competitive Asian business environments should prioritize psychological resource development programs that enhance international students' self-efficacy and resilience, as these factors are critical for successful adaptation to Korea's business-oriented academic culture. These psychological resources substantively fully mediate the relationship between ITLO and adaptation outcomes.