1970년대 새마을운동의 성공요인 분석

A Game Theoretic Approach to Analyze the Success Factors of 1970s Saemaul Undong

(Purpose) This study aims to analyze the success factors of Saemaul Undong through the lens of game theory which assumes that social phenomena are results of a game, a strategic interaction, between two or more individuals in the situation. In game theory, it is assumed that individuals within a game situation are rational and will strive to maximize their payoffs in the game. (Design/methodology/approach) The study first summarizes the success factors of Saemaul Undong from the literature review and identifies four key players who played active roles in Saemaul Undong: Saemaul leaders, villagers, public servants, and the supreme leader. Then the study presents four games with their payoffs. The games include 1) the 2-villager game without a Saemaul leader, 2) 2-villager game with a Saemaul leader, 3) civil servant-villager game and 4) President Park Chung Hee-villager game. (Findings) The results obtained from this study indicate that the key players in Saemaul Undong were motivated mainly by self-interest. (Research implications or Originality) The paper suggests Saemaul Undong themed ODA rural development programs in developing countries to be designed with a governance structure that enables individuals to benefit from participating in the program.