Bhutan’s Purpose-Driven Innovation Leadership & Gross National Happiness
The genuine smiles we encountered in Bhutan were rooted in something remarkable: the country’s commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH). The GNH is an alternative approach to measuring a country’s progress. Unlike the traditional focus on gross domestic product (GDP), GNH considers a mix of quality-of-life factors, emphasizing both economic and moral dimensions. Bhutan’s Center for Bhutan Studies and Gross National Happiness (CBSGNH) developed an index to measure GNH. It identifies four groups of people: unhappy, narrowly happy, extensively happy, and deeply happy. The goal is not only to understand existing happiness but also to enhance well-being for those who need it most. While GDP growth may seem tempting, Bhutan recognizes the importance of responsible development. GNH challenges leaders, policymakers, and citizens to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
Bhutan’s Four Pillars of GNH:
- Good Governance: Bhutan values effective governance that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens.
- Sustainable Development: Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and social equity.
- Preservation and Promotion of Culture: Celebrating Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.
- Environmental Conservation: Protecting the natural world for current and future generations.
INTERVIEW: The following is a summary transcript of a unique interview Dr Gaia Grant conducted with Mr Thakur Singa Powdyia (the then Minister of Education, and one of the key instigators to Bhutan’s famous Gross National Happiness measure.)
DR Gaia Grant: “In your country, you have a GDP (gross domestic product), and alongside the GDP, you also have something called GNH (Gross National Happiness). These principles serve as guiding principles for your government and the people. We’re interested in learning more about these guiding principles and how they work.”
MR THAKUR SINGA POWDYIA
- We believe that every nation and society should have a North Star. Long ago, before precision equipment like we have today was invented, sailors lost at sea looked to the North Star for safety. Similarly, we believe that every nation should have its own North Star.
- For Bhutan, gross national happiness, as envisioned by the fourth King,
- His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, serves as our North Star. In today’s visionless world, part of the reason for the mess we’re in is that we’ve focused too much on material dimensions while neglecting deep core foundations that sustain life and allow us to look beyond the present.
- Our policymaking and programs in Bhutan have been guided by this North Star, and we hope it continues to be our guiding light in the years to come. While many companies understand the importance of vision and mission statements as guiding principles, here it’s being used as a principle for an entire country.
- So, how can we ensure that this vision or mission reaches all levels of an organization or a country? It’s easier to go with the flow (like swimming in the direction of the river) than to stand against the current. Gross national happiness, as a national vision and goal, is far more challenging to achieve than the goals of gross domestic product.
- While pursuing GDP growth by exploiting natural resources may seem tempting, we believe it’s irresponsible and thoughtless.
- Instead, we advocate for a desirable goal—the responsible path of gross national happiness. Our planet faces harm: unbreathable air, undrinkable water, and unlivable conditions. These consequences trace back to human actions. Just as in the life of a nation or an individual, we must consider the purpose of life and the goal of development. Corporations and companies should ask themselves: Does our work make life better? Does it contribute to a more beautiful and sustainable world? Authentic value and meaning matter more than mere profit.
See the Video Interview (7 mins)
With Mr Thakur Singa Powdyia
Former Minister of Education,
A Key instigator of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness measure
https://youtu.be/mmnotRqLMqw
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