Sustainable well-being objective indicators: Basic necessities, complementary needs and desired opportunities
This study assesses the theories and approaches to sustainable well-being in developing objective social indicators to recognise the all-inclusive wellness of Malaysians. Problem: Currently, in Malaysia, well-being is measured by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Malaysia through the Malaysian Qualit...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Book Chapter |
| Language: | English English |
| Published: |
Springer
2018
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/59991/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/59991/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/59991/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/59991/7/59991-Sustainable%20Well-Being%20Objective%20Indicators_Basic.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/59991/9/59991_Sustainable%20well-being%20objective%20indicators_SCOPUS.pdf |
| Summary: | This study assesses the theories and approaches to sustainable well-being in developing objective social indicators to recognise the all-inclusive wellness of Malaysians. Problem: Currently, in Malaysia, well-being is measured by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Malaysia through the Malaysian Quality of Life Reports and Malaysian Well-being Report. The reports cover the social
progress of Malaysians through a set of indicators categorised under economic wellbeing and social well-being. The three main issues found in the current approach include
(1) a lack of output indicators for some components, which makes it impossible to interpret the true performance of well-being, (2) the absence of a hierarchy of needs to
identify more prioritised components and indicators, and (3) a narrow understanding of progress due to a strong reliance on the correlation with GDP growth. Approach: This
study employs a literature review and document analysis. Findings: A new approach is necessary to improve the current approach to measuring well-being in Malaysia. Based
on the theory of the hierarchy of needs, the objective indicators are categorised into specific components of three dimensions of sustainable well-being – necessities, complementary
needs, and desired opportunities. Through reconsideration and
re-coordination of the existing indicators and selected additional indicators, the elements that constitute well-being as well as the data appear consistent and transparent.
Significance: Sustainable well-being indicators will prioritise what is most important to
the citizens. The model recognises the progress of the survival requirements of human
beings, the moral basis of happiness, and the greater life prospects of Malaysians. |
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