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12. The ethics platform in tourism research: A Western Australian perspective of Bhutan’s GNH Tourism Model
- Author:
- Simon Teoh
- Publication Date:
- 10-2012
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
- Abstract:
- This paper examines Bhutan’s unique development model based on a philosophy called Gross National Happiness (GNH) through tourism. The discussion is framed by Macbeth’s (2005) ethics platform in tourism research. The purpose of the paper is to investigate and understand a group of Western Australians’ perspective of Bhutan as a valued tourist destination and the likelihood of participants visiting Bhutan after understanding the GNH tourism model at a live display of Bhutanese culture. The aim is to report on three major findings of the case study (N=64) where: (i) 64% of respondents agreed that GNH is the best measure of a nation’s development; (ii) 98% of respondents agreed that happiness is important for the ‘well-being’ of a nation, and (iii) 89% of respondents indicated that they were more likely to visit Bhutan after attending the event. The implication of the study is to emphasize ethical positions that are useful as unique selling points for a tourism destination. The study on the GNH discourse contributes knowledge to tourism authorities and researchers by acknowledging that when Bhutan’s GNH model is in congruence with tourists’ personal values, it can lead to the likelihood of an increase in tourist visitation to Bhutan. A limitation of this study is the relatively small sample size and gender imbalance. Further research on other factors that might influence decisionmaking to visit Bhutan is proposed.
- Topic:
- Development, Tourism, Ethics, and Gross National Happiness (GNH)
- Political Geography:
- South Asia, Australia, and Bhutan
13. Under the Influence of Buddhism: The Psychological Wellbeing Indicators of GNH
- Author:
- Tashi Wangmo and John Valk
- Publication Date:
- 03-2012
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Journal of Bhutan Studies
- Institution:
- Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
- Abstract:
- Measuring human well-being is important in determining whether people’s lives improve or worsen over time. Today many countries focus on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a basis to measure economic well-being, but focus on economic growth fails to capture the overall well-being of the people (Kusago 2007; Stiglitz, Sen, and Fitoussi, 2009). Alternative measurements such as Genuine Progress Index (GPI) and Human Development Index (HDI) have been introduced to measure the non-economic aspect of well-being. GPI and HDI include important factors that contribute to healthy living but are still calculated based on monetary values (Hargen 2002; Kusago 2007). Gross National Happiness (GNH) is the central development philosophy of Bhutan (Planning Commission 1999). This unique philosophy aims at maximising well-being and minimising suffering by balancing economic needs with spiritual and emotional needs. Bhutan’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, coined the term “Gross National Happiness” in the late 1980s arguing that “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product” (as cited by Ura 2008, para.1). His vision was to create a GNH society: “an enlightened society in which happiness and wellbeing of all people and sentient beings is the ultimate purpose of governance” (as cited by Ura 2008, para.2).GNH is premised on the notion that happiness pursued and realised within the context of the greater good of society offers the best possibility for the sustained happiness of the individual. Yet, society as a whole cannot achieve happiness if individuals compete irresponsibly for it. To this end, GNH recognises that happiness ought to be realised as a collective goal; it cannot be left as an individual goal: “GNH stresses collective happiness to be addressed directly through public policies in which happiness is an explicit criterion in projects and programmes” (Thinley 2005, p.7). If a government’s policy framework and its goals are adverse to happiness, happiness will fail as a collective goal (Ura 2008). In the GNH context, a government concerned with the happiness of its citizens must create an enabling environment for people to achieve happiness. The Bhutan-Vision 2020 strongly reaffirms the notion of Gross National Happiness as the central development concept for the country.
- Topic:
- Development, Buddhism, Well-Being, and Gross National Happiness (GNH)
- Political Geography:
- South Asia and Bhutan