Позитивные изменения. Том 4, №1 (2024). Positive changes. Volume 4, Issue 1 (2024)

Why focus on these dawn bells? Because within their presence and function lies a quintessential trait of the Korean people, a trait that undoubtedly fueled the success of the New Village Movement — the discipline and remarkable industriousness of Koreans, as previously discussed. Whether mid-century peasants rebuilding the nation after decades of Japanese occupation, civil strife, and political turmoil, or contemporary pop idols being at the cutting edge of youth culture, Koreans possess the ability to rise at dawn (and even before) to forge their tomorrows.

One could debate at length the boundaries of the “optimal” level of discipline required for members of community development initiatives to achieve significant outcomes from their efforts — especially considering the potential emergence of the phenomenon of reactive personality resistance in decision-making described by Brehm[130]. This phenomenon manifests as resistance to any limitations on personal freedom, arising when external conditions (other individuals, norms, or rules) encroach upon freedom or threaten to suppress the expression of opinions, views, etc. In essence, it involves imposing a singular behavior or advocating for a specific course of action as the only correct one. Given the potential threat of this phenomenon when organizing discipline and implementing rules, it’s advisable to consider the mechanisms of another psychological decision-making theory phenomenon — personal investment. This involves elevating the value of what an individual has invested their time and resources in, such as by offering suggestions, etc.

In summary, adherence to rules and norms, and the completion of project tasks according to predefined plans, appear to be critical factors for project implementation efficacy, alongside other components requiring a certain level of discipline from participants. However, it’s crucial that all involved residents participate in discussions and decision-making processes. The decision to embrace discipline, adhere to schedules, and complete tasks promptly must be collective, collaborative, ensuring each individual feels a sense of ownership and participation in the decisionmaking process.

FROM SIMPLE TO COMPLEX

One of the defining traits of the New Village Movement can be characterized as its step-by-step ethos. Unlike the Soviet Union’s rigid five-year economic plans, Saemaul didn’t embark with a predetermined outcome but rather unfolded incrementally. It commenced with initiatives aimed at enhancing the living standards of rural communities, starting with the aesthetic rejuvenation of villages. To achieve this, the government allocated each village the renowned 335 bags of cement.

Gradually, straw-thatched roofs were replaced by tiled ones, stone fences and sewage systems underwent repair, and bridges were erected — a metamorphosis unfolded across the countryside. Naturally, this achievement bore psychological dividends: bolstered motivation, created a positive emotional backdrop, and, fundamentally, built self-confidence.

This initial success paved the way for endeavors to augment the incomes of individual households and subsequently, collective initiatives. By the time the average rural household income outstripped that of urban counterparts,[131] the movement transcended village boundaries: its principles permeated businesses and factories, where collaboration was key. According to officials at the Saemaul Center, it’s this movement that underpins the sustained growth of the Korean economy. Ordinary Koreans echo this sentiment: nationwide opinion polls conducted in 1998 and 2008 hailed Saemaul as the prime achievement of the Korean people (45.6 % and 40.2 % of answers, respectively).[132]

From a psychological standpoint, this scenario is the fusion of the potential plan (life perspective) and the actual plan (assessment of current achievements), resulting in a sense of life fulfillment.[133] Put simply, when aspirations materialize beyond expectation (a synergistic effect), satisfaction and motivation naturally surge, nurturing an environment well-suited to continued success.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY PROJECTS IN THE MODERN WORLD

As of today, 42 villages across 10 countries are revitalizing their regions based on the Saemaul model[134]. It’s a remarkable occurrence when a program, possibly originating from a distant land entirely unfamiliar to villagers, suddenly strikes a chord and resonates deeply within their hearts.