A theoretical analysis of decision-making regarding gerontological programs in Korea

This study researched the Iron Triangle Theory as applied to the development of gerontological programs in Korea. The Iron Triangle Theory has been utilized in the national security policy decision-making process in the United States of America, and also, the Iron Triangle Theory has been applied to the human service policy making process. The United States of America has produced effective social services for the senior citizens. Korea is a developing country and has been experiencing the politic, economic and social development. Moreover, through these developments, the needs of Korean elderly are increasing, thus, the Korean government is required to plan gerontological programs for the aging population. To analyze the policy decision-making for gerontological programs, the Iron Triangle Theory was studied in this study.

In the second chapter. Systems Theory is discussed for a theoretical background to the Iron Triangle Theory. Also, related literature is addressed to study the definitions and utilizations of the Iron Triangle Theory. Gerontological programs in Korea are studied in chapter three, and it discusses the background of gerontological issues, gerontological programs, and decision-making systems in Korea.

The finding of the study is that the Iron Triangle Theory is applicable to the development of gerontological programs in Korea. Such considerations in current Korean society as an evenly divided power system in the Korean government and an increasing growing i V aging population make the Iron Triangle Theory applicable to the development of gerontological programs in Korea.