In this study, we developed an integrated situational taxonomy by merging the second-generation situational taxonomies of the DIAMONDS and CAPTION models.
The study participants included 363 adults aged 25–39 years, residing in South Korea, with at least a college degree, and currently employed. To integrate the factors of both models, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis and further examined the hierarchical structure of these factors using bass-ackwards analysis.
Our analysis revealed that the integrated situational taxonomy comprises seven domains with a confirmed hierarchical structure. Building on these findings, we further conducted a comparative analysis of the results with prior situational taxonomy research.
It was found that the factors constituting integrated domains derived from previous studies that employed correlation analysis or factor analysis differed from those of our study. However, the taxonomy of the three domains in the third level (negativity, positivity, and tasks) aligned with that of previous relevant research, suggesting that these domains are universally applicable to situational taxonomy. Hence, although the taxonomy of the three domains does not encapsulate specific situational characteristics, like the seven domains, if one seeks a culturally universal, statistically clear, and concise structure of situational taxonomy, the three-domain one is a promising alternative to the seven domains. Moreover, this study is the first situational taxonomic research outside the United States and European cultural spheres that confirms that an integrated situational taxonomy is similarly applicable in East Asian cultures.