PLANNING AND SETTING GOALS: LEARNING FROM SOUTH KOREA’S GENERAL PARK

Have you ever wondered about the importance of planning and setting goals? Well today post would show the importance with the example of the 5 years plan of one of the leaders of South Korea created which was abided to, in return aided development of South Korea. Thus Today’s post would begin from where the last post on South Korean leadership ended.

Here is the link of the last post on South Korea Leaders in case you missed it https://nokview.wordpress.com/2017/07/14/south-korea-roles-of-individualspolitical-leaders-in-promoting-development-part-1-president-syngman-rhee-1948-1960/

The last post ended with the resignation of President Syngman Rhee 1948-1970. After his resignation a new constitution was created in the second republic (1960) whereby Chong  Mion took over which did not last long before he was overthrown by General Park.

The period from 1961-1979 has been called the Park era because after the revolution of 1961 General Park restored some political liberties and proclaimed the third republic on 17 December 1963 . Park increased his Authority in the changes of 1972 constitution makings his power unlimited.  ( Yushin (revitalizing reform) .

General park announced a that his regime would have a 5 years developmental plan that was aimed at mobilizing natural resources to support an industrial economy of south Korea. Some of the notable policies in this 5 year plan were.

1. Expansion of agricultural production.
2. Development of energy (coal production and electricity).
3. Development of basic, social and economic infrastructure
4. Improvement of South Korea’s balance of payment through export promotion.
5. Utilization of land and increased employment
6. Promotion of science and technology.

What this shows that the president created plans and goals which was abided to, Thus when we have to create goals it should have a time frame attached to it, which is achievable and have significance.

These 5 years plan prepared South Korean’s for a long term economic recovery and modernization. When plans and goals are made, be it as individuals, a Group or as a nation it should be aimed towards the betterment and development of oneself.

It is important to note that General Park had his flaws; he was praised by some and criticized by others. This has shown that no one is perfect , plans and goals are made, things are done to implement and achieve them, not all moves are appreciated and not all goals and plans are achieved  but if 70% is achieved and if possible 90% then it can be said to be a success.

Reference

Jan Palmowski 2008.  Dictionary of Contemporary World History .U.S: Oxford University press.

The academy of Korean studies (2005, pp150-153).

Michael Edson Robinson (2007), Korea’s Twentieth Century Odssey. Honolulu: University of Hawai press.

Adrian Buzo (2007), the making of modern Korea. Oxford Taylor & Francis

For more information the above book can be looked at, then there pdfs available on Google

Picture of the  President Chong Mion and General Park gotten from Google