Development of Creative Civil Servants for a Knowledge-Based Society: the Case of South Korea

Abstract

Human resources development is a crucial factor among the many that have contributed to the national development of South Korea. As the premier public sector training institute in Korea responsible for enhancing the capabilities of public sector executives, COTI needs to provide appropriate education programs to cope with rapid changes in the global environment. As policymaking is a knowledge creation activity, critical thinking and creativity are fundamental to building government officials’ competence. This article presents author’s experience and thoughts, as the COTI’s president, about the education for civil servants in Korea with a focus on the development of critical thinking and creativity.