Gross National Well-being

Gross National Wellness (GNW) is a socioeconomic development and measurement framework. The Gross National Wellness Index (GNW Index) is also known as the Gross National Happiness Index (GNH Index). The GNW / GNH Index consists of 7 dimensions: economic, environmental, physical, mental, work, social, and political. Most wellness areas include both subjective results (via survey) and objective data.^[1]

Disambiguation

GNW / GNH Index is not to be confused with Bhutan GNH Index, while both frameworks where inspired by the Gross National Happiness philosophy that was introduced by the former King of Bhutan in 1972. Both models are different in origin, creation dates, scope, development dimensions and indicators.

The GNW / GNH index is a global generic development measurement framework developed in 2005 by the International Institute of Management in USA. It is a secular model that tracks 7 development areas with no religious measurement components.^[2]

On the other hand, Bhutan's GNH Index is a local development framework and measurement index, created by the Centre for Bhutan Studies in 2010. The Bhutan's GNH Index is customized to the country’s Buddhist cultural and spiritual values. It tracks 9 development areas including spiritual measurement such as prayers recitation and other Karma indicators,^[3][4]

GNW Survey Components

The subjective survey is structured into seven areas or dimensions. ^[5] Each area or dimension satisfaction rating is scaled from (0-10). Where (0) being very dissatisfied, (5) being neutral, and (10) is very satisfied.

1. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Overall Satisfaction (0-10):
   Frequency and levels of positive vs. negative thoughts and feelings over the past year
2. Physical & Health Wellbeing Overall Satisfaction (0-10):
   Physical safety and health, including risk to life, body and property and the cost and quality of healthcare, if one gets sick
3. Work & Income Wellbeing Overall Satisfaction (0-10):
   Job and income to support essential living expenses, including shelter, food, transportation, and education. If a head of household, the expenses to support household/family is included
4. Social Relations Wellbeing Overall Satisfaction (0-10):
   Relations with the significant other, family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and community
5. Economic & Retirement Wellbeing Overall Satisfaction (0-10):
   Disposable (extra) income, which is the remaining money after paying for essential living expenses. This money can be used for leisure activities, retirement savings, investments, or charity.
6. Political & Government Wellbeing Overall Satisfaction (0-10):
   Political rights, privacy and personal freedom as well the performance of the government (including socioeconomic development policies effectiveness and efficiency)
7. Living Environment Wellbeing Overall Satisfaction (0-10):
   City/urban planning, utilities, infrastructure, traffic, architecture, landscaping and nature's pollution (including noise, air, water, and soil)

The survey also asks four qualitative questions to identify key causes of happiness and unhappiness:

1. What are the top positive things in your life that make you happy?
2. What are the top challenges and causes of stress in your life?
3. What would you advise your government to increase your well-being and happiness?
4. What are the most influential city, state, federal or international projects? How are they impacting your well-being and happiness (positively or negatively)?

Criticism

Although subjective measures can be used as indicators, the data collected can be unreliable due to the response variation between genders, cultures and other personal factors.

References