How do we evaluate the contribution of development initiatives to Gross National Happiness(GNH)

Abstract Information: Bhutan, a country in South Asia follows Gross National Happiness (GNH) as an overarching development philosophy. The main essence of GNH is striking a harmonious balance between material and non-material dimensions. Bhutan always wanted to share this philosophy with others around the globe. Sharing how to evaluate the contribution of development initiatives to GNH should now also be on the agenda. The GNH approach to development needs an appropriate evaluation framework to ensure that initiatives are relevant and right fit for people. Thus, evaluation is responsive to the country’s overarching development goal. Culturally responsive evaluation (CRE) propagates practicing “What, How and for Whom” evaluation with local wisdom and realities and therefore complements the essence of GNH. Based on the CRE principles, this study proposes an evaluation framework for evaluating development initiatives contributing to GNH, so that evaluation in Bhutan can help navigate pathways into a sustainable future with people and their happiness at the centre. This study looks at the wholesome evaluation framework, as a strategic guide to evaluation in Bhutan, which includes: (i) the principle of spirituality – respecting people’s way of live and their lived experiences; (ii) the principle of intergenerational – designing evaluations with future focused goals; and (iii) the principle of gender equity and inclusiveness –holding equity and inclusiveness as the main foci of evaluation. The study intends at unpacking these three principles and develop intervention matrix to guide the evaluation in Bhutan.