Gross National Happiness Index of GCBS Students of Bhutan

Indo-Bhutan International Conference On Gross National Happiness Vol 02, October 2013 Pages: 149-154

International Journal of Business Intelligents (IJBI) 149 www.ijbui.com

Gross National Happiness Index of GCBS Students of Bhutan

N. Suresh1, T. Antony Alphonnse Ligori2, Aditya Banerjee3, Praan Kumar Kaul4 1Senior Lecturer, GCBS, 2Lectuer, GCBS, 3Lecturer GCBS, 4Senior Lecturer GCBS

Abstract The present study attempts to quantify GNH and create GNH Index of students of Gaeddu College of Business studies, Gedu. The study focuses on developing the GNH index and also understanding of demographic pattern of GNH level of students of the college. Data was collected from a total of 679 students of the college taken randomly. Results revealed that students are most happy on cultural domain and least happy on “time use” domain of the GNH. Analysis of demographic pattern showed that the female is happier than male counterpart, students of final year leads in happiness and Haa and Zhemgang Dzonghak’s students are the happiest. Thus, the study gives a perspective of the college climate in relation to happiness level of the students in the campus. Keywords: Happiness, GNH, Education, GCBS students.

Introduction The national happiness model is built around some numerical measure of an individual happiness. A pilot study is proposed to trial a measure of individual happiness of students and begins to explore the nature of happiness around student community. Happiness is both means and end in itself. Hence enhancement in GNH must contribute to enhancement in individual well-being. The attainment of true knowledge and wisdom for the benefit of all beings is the ultimate goal of Buddhist and Shambhala paths1. The Royal Government of Bhutan in 2005 made the decision to develop GNH indicators in order to move the concept of GNH from the point of academic discourse to a measurable one. CBS (Centre for Bhutan Studies) has developed screening questions covering nine domains of GNH. Therefore, all policies and projects have to pass through these questions in order to test their applicability in enhancing the values of GNH. In 2008, Bhutan adopted the GNH index with the aim of establishing values, setting benchmarks and tracking policies and performances of the country. The indicators include nine core dimensions: psychological wellbeing, time use, community vitality,

1 Welcome to Shambhala. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.shambhala.org/int/coleman_bhutan.html

culture, health, education, (Ecology) environment diversity, living standards and governance. The Gross National Happiness index provides us to reflect on the happiness and general well-being of the Bhutanese Society at large. The nine domains of GNH are among the essential parameters to be considered for quantifying happiness and well-being from the Bhutanese context. Concepts and Meaning: Nine Domains of GNH

1. Psychological Well-being 2. Time Use 3. Community Vitality 4. Culture Diversity & Resilience 5. Health 6. Education 7. Ecological Diversity and Resilience 8. Standard of living 9. Good Governance

Psychological Well-being Psychological well-being refers to how people evaluate their lives2. In this paper, psychological well-being is defined in terms of internal experience of the respondents and their own perception of their lives relating it to

2 Psychological Well-Being. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.grossnationalhappiness.com/9-domains/psychological-well-being/



Gross National Happiness. The fundamental idea of human development is that wellbeing is a crucial parameter of development and that the individual is the bases of every level of this development3. Health The greatest endeavor of any nation is to promote health and happiness to its citizens. Health in its broadest conception is the indispensable doorstep to the deeper aspects of Happiness [2]. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “health” as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity4”. The Bhutanese citizens believe that happiness is the result of good health. The current literature on health in Bhutan in relation to the Gross National Happiness Survey conducted by the Centre of Bhutan Studies has been reviewed. Education Education contributes to the knowledge, values, creativity, skills, human capital, and civic sensibility of citizens. The educational system must support our younger generation to be compassionate towards each other. One of the pillars of Gross National Happiness is education. Education plays a vital role in promoting human values so that the youth will become deeply committed to increasing GNH index [1]. The true education must be directed towards the full development of human capacity. It must encourage students to express their innate wholeness, strength their kindness and ability to help others and stimulate them to participate in the evolution of humane and decent society. The entire educational

3 THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL CRISIS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.jaqm.ro/issues/volume-4,issue-4/pdfs/rova_mano.pdf

4 Keypoint Health Services Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.keypoint.org/index.html

curriculum system of Bhutan needs to be infused with the GNH ethos [3]. Culture Diversity & Resilience Bhutan has a rich and unique cultural heritage that has largely remained intact because of its isolation from the rest of the world until the early 1960s. One of the main attractions for tourists is the country's culture and traditions. Bhutanese tradition is deeply steeped in its Buddhist heritage. Maintenance of cultural traditions has been one of Bhutan’s primary policy goals, as traditions and cultural diversity contributes to identity, values, and creativity. The domain of culture focuses on the diversity and strength of cultural traditions. Developing cultural resilience is also given importance, which can be understood as the culture’s capacity to maintain and develop cultural identity, knowledge and practices, and able to overcome challenges and difficulties from other norms and ideals. Good Governance Good governance is characterized by the pursuit of integrity, efficiency, accountability and transparency as well as the people’s participation in the decision-making process [4]. “Good governance” is a relatively new term that is often used to describe the desired objective of a nation-state’s political development. The principles of good governance, however, are not new. These are the major characteristics of good governance as Outlined by the United Nations. The World Leaders at the 2005 World Summit concluded that good governance is integral to economic growth, the eradication of poverty and hunger, and sustainable development. Community Vitality Community vitality is of a great concern towards the well-being of people in the rural areas. The ability of a community is to sustain itself into the future as well as provide opportunities for its people to pursue their own life goals and the ability to experience positive life outcomes and realize positive social,



economic, and environmental outcomes [5]. Community Vitality is a way of looking at and thinking about communities, and here, rural communities in particular. Ecological Diversity & Resilience Bhutan has the potential to explore its natural resources without disturbing the ecological balance, and look forward to be a self reliant economy meeting its need in terms of demand and supply. Living Standard The standard of living rests upon the four pillars of GNH. They are economic growth and development, environment protection and sustainable development, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, and good governance. The moral values and freedom of an individual by education besides basic necessities are needed to improve the quality of life [6]. Time Use Time is precious and a valuable resource to every human being. Time can be managed in different ways. Time never waits for a man so utilize the time for constructive purpose without wasting it. The way people spend their time depends on their values, norms and behavior. The quality of the time spent is very important As Marshal declared, "Although nature is subject to decreasing returns man is subject to increasing returns [7]. Knowledge is our most powerful engine of production. It enables us to subdue nature and satisfy our wants". One way of improving the abilities and skills of people is to help them understand time, its value and effective use. Time management should be institutionalized through learning organizations. The world is transitioning from an economy- based manufacturing and natural resources to one that is more on information and knowledge. Time is the key of success in our modern life. Time management refers to techniques that enable people to get more done in less time with better results.

Methodology The present study exploratory and is based on cross-sectional design. Primary research method is used to collect the required information to fulfill objective of the study. Sample and Procedures The target population of this study was management students of Gaeddu College of Business Studies, Royal University of Bhutan, Bhutan. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire from a total of 679 students which are approximately 60 percent of the total students studying in the college. Data were collected during class time with the prior permission of respective teachers from different semesters and sections. Respondents consist of both male (55 percent) and female (45 percent) and taken randomly. Other demographic information such as programmes, semester, Dzongkhag (district) etc. was also taken. All the necessary information regarding the study and ways to respond on questionnaire was shared with all respondents. Respondents were assured of confidentiality of their responses and were told that their responses shall be used for the research purpose only. Measures In order to measures the index, researchers developped a nine – item questionnaire covering all the nine areas / domains of GNH: Psychological Well-being, Time Use, Community Vitality, Culture Diversity & Resilience, Health, Education, Ecological Diversity and Resilience, Standard of living and Good Governance. Responses were taken in 5-point scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Reliability of the scale was found to be 0.755 on the present sample. In addition, respondent’s demographic data were also taken. Results and Analysis As the objective is to create GNH index of the target population, data were analyzed using percentage method.



Gross National Happiness Index of GCBS Students (Domain-wise)

Above figure shows GNH level varies from 91.25 percent to 66.04 percent. Students of the college are happiest in cultural domain of the GNH. Students believe that the Buddhist culture (91.25 percent) and values are good and they really like it. After culture is the happiness with the ecological diversity and resilience domain of the GNH. 90.25 percent students believe that country’s ecological diversity is necessary and it must be preserved. Probably students think that preserving the ecological diversity creates an identity for the country.

However students of the college are least happy with the “time use” and “good governance” domains of the GNH. College students are poor in time management (66.04 percent). They are unable to utilize their time in an appropriate way.

College students seem to be not very happy (67.04 percent) on the good governance domain of the GNH. As there are growing number of graduates in the country, government can look forward for creating further avenues of employment.

GNH Index of GCBS Students (Dzongkhag-wise)



Above figure shows GNH level varies from 76.3 percent to 83. 46 percent Dzongkhag wise. Students from Haa Dzongkhag (83.46 percent) are happiest followed by students

from Zhemgang (82.54 percent). Students from Gasa (76.3 percent) are least happy in GCBS, Gedu.

Happiness Index of Male and Female (Gender-wise)

Above figure shows the gender wise happiness index where the female students of GCBS are happier than the male.

Happiness Index of GCBS Students (Semester-wise)

Above figure shows the semester wise happiness index where the eighth semester students are happier than the other semester students.



Conclusion: The aim of the study is to find the overall GNH index of students of GCBS which was arrived at 79.81 percent which shows that majority of the students are happy on all domains of the GNH. Also in this study, the index by Dzongkhag-wise, Gender-wise and semester-wise were found out. Students from Haa Dzongkha seem to be the happiest, female students have been found to be happier and students of the eight semesters are happy compared to students of other semesters. Since the present study has been confined only to the students of GCBS with limited number of questions framed in the questionnaire covering the nine domains of Gross National Happiness, there is a scope to explore further in detail to have better understanding of GNH index.

References: [1] THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL CRISIS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.jaqm.ro/issues/volume-4,issue-4/pdfs/rova_mano.pdf [2] Frank Bracho, (2004) Happiness as the Greatest Human Wealth, “Gross National Happiness and Development”, CBS, Thimphu. [3] Mark Mancall, (2004) Gross National Happiness and Development: An essay, “Gross National Happiness and Development”, CBS, Thimphu. [4] Christopher B. (2004) Faris, Information and Communications Technology and GNH – Who serves whom, “Gross National Happiness and Development, CBS, Thimphu. [5] http://oregonexplorer.info/rural/CommunityVitality

[6] Shuichi Hirayama, Study for living standard improvement on GNH philosophy, Daito Bunka University, Japan. [7] Leyla Sarfaraz, Time use: the Missing Piece of Economic Development Studies. Shiraz University. [8] If Happiness Were a Global Currency, Would Our Choices in ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjMVLOljliQ [9] Policy and Project Screening Tools. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gnhc.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Policy-and-Project-Screening-Tools.pdf [10] Gross National Happiness: Too Good To Be True? | The Global ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://theglobaljournal.net/article/view/668/ [11] Suellen Donnelly, How Bhutan can Measure and Develop GNH. Retrieved on May, 10, 2012 from http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/pubFiles/Gnh&dev-16.pdf [12] Welcome to Shambhala. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.shambhala.org/int/coleman_bhutan.html [13] Center for Bhutan Studies (2012). Psychological Well-Being. Retrieved on May, 12, 2012 from http://www.grossnationalhappiness.com/9-domains/psychological-well-being/ [14] Keypoint Health Services Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.keypoint.org/index.html

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Gross National Happiness Index of GCBS Students of Bhutan