Based upon the survey and analysis of human resource development policy in Korea over the last four decades, this study aimed to identify the characteristics of HRD policies by decade and to evaluate major selected HRD policies for providing the basic materials necessary for the establishment of future HRD policy and organizing comprehensively the changes of HRD policies in Korea.
In order to achieve the purpose, this study surveyed the policy background and identified the policy-making process, which were followed by the analysis of the contents and characteristics of HRD policies by decade with major selected policies evaluated . The study conducted review of the related literature, construction of the frame of reference and criteria for analysis and evaluation, and interviews with the related persons.
This study defined the concept of HRD policy as ' the courses of action for the desirable p olicy objectives an d programs th at are made by authoritative government agencies to develop, allocate, utilize, and maintain or conserve human resources, such as knowledge, skills, creativity, value, attitude, belief, health embodied in individuals that facilitate the enhancement of personal, social, and economic well-being.'
In the 1960s when Korea was faced with the rapid political changes due to 4·19 student revolution and 5·16 coup d'etat, economic development was successfully achieved to establish the foundation of self-supporting economy. President Park's dogmatic and authoritative leadership which was formulated by the attainment of economic development brought about autocracy in the p olicy-makin g process. HRD p olicies, which were supplements to the science and technology development plan for the economic development plan, had a high rationality by involving experts including foreign advisers in the policy-making process, but insufficient democracy that led to the central government-driven policy. Over-supply of labor caused the policy to focus on improving human resource quality and securing scarce technicians. The policy of college and university student quota was effective in the control of quantity expansion. It aroused the interest of quality improvement and especially, cost-effectiveness in college of science and engineering. However, it did not keep policy consistency and equity with the capability of university autonomy shrunk.
Vocational training policy was effective in the establishment of training system, expansion of training, and employment. However, in-plant training programs were comparatively poor and lack of equity.
In the 1970s, government tried to build a renovation system, give priority to the national security, and oppress the democratic force. All the policies were driven by the blue house. HRD plan was established by the Ministry of Science and Technology as a sector plan of the economic development plan . The task force tried to elevate the policy rationality by involvement of experts in the planning process. HRD policy placed special emphasis on securing quality manpower for fostering of heavy and chemical industry and strengthening the brain development and skill mastering system.