Review on the Role of Agriculture Cooperatives in Optimising Gross National Happiness

Abstract

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is Bhutan’s development philosophy emphasising the happiness of people instead of seeking economic prosperity alone. Researchers have studied GNH in relation to different fields such as health, education, etc. However, as studies on the impact of a business model like Agriculture Cooperatives (ACs) on GNH are scarce, the authors felt the need to fill this study gap. The study aims to review the roles of ACs in optimising GNH. The “proposed GNH of Business”— a framework developed by Centre for Bhutan Studies and GNH— guided the review. In this study, we presented direct and indirect evidence of ACs contributing to different domains of the GNH, thereby, improving both workers’ happiness and organisational conditions for happiness. The review also indicates that functional or successful ACs have the potential to optimise GNH in the country. However, empirical studies are required to confirm these literature-based findings.