공감(Compassion)개념에 대한 이해

Abstract

Purpose: Compassion is often entangled with similar concepts such as empathy, sympathy and pity. The purpose of this study is to understand and to distinguish compassion from empathy, sympathy and pity as a concept. Methods: We compared three similar concepts such as empathy, sympathy and pity, to compassion theoretically in order to distinguish each of the differences from similarities with literary reviews. Results: We have derived six key features of compassion as follow. First, objects of compassion are the individuals who have experienced suffering. Second, compassion encompasses the relativity of suffering. Third, compassion must be connected with action. Fourth, the main purpose of the compassionate act is to transmit compassionate feeling to others. Fifth, a relatively accurate understanding for others precedes compassionate act. Sixth, compassion is based on other-oriented emotion. Conclusion: Based on the above results, compassion can be a useful concept to reduce employee’s suffering in the organization.