Harvard Case - Bhutan: Governing for Happiness
"Bhutan: Governing for Happiness" Harvard business case study is written by Sophus A. Reinert, Thomas Humphrey, Benjamin Safran. It deals with the challenges in the field of Business & Government Relations. The case study is 35 page(s) long and it was first published on : Dec 5, 2014
At Fern Fort University, we recommend that Bhutan continue its focus on Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a guiding principle for development, while strategically adapting its approach to navigate the challenges posed by globalization and economic pressures. This requires a multi-pronged strategy that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and social well-being. We propose a framework that leverages public-private partnerships, strategic foreign investment, and targeted innovation to achieve sustainable and equitable development.
2. Background
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, has gained international recognition for its unique approach to development, prioritizing Gross National Happiness (GNH) over traditional economic growth metrics. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of sustainable development, cultural preservation, and individual well-being. The case study highlights the challenges Bhutan faces in balancing its commitment to GNH with the pressures of globalization, economic development, and the need for foreign investment.
The main protagonists of the case study are:
- The Royal Government of Bhutan: The government is committed to GNH but recognizes the need to balance it with economic growth and modernization.
- The Bhutanese People: They are proud of their culture and traditions but also desire economic opportunities and improved living standards.
- International Organizations and Investors: These entities offer potential for economic development but may have different priorities and expectations.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
The case study presents a complex situation where Bhutan needs to navigate the following challenges:
Economic Development: Bhutan faces the need to diversify its economy beyond agriculture and tourism, create jobs, and improve living standards. This requires attracting foreign investment and fostering entrepreneurship, while also ensuring sustainable growth.
Environmental Sustainability: Bhutan is renowned for its pristine environment, which is crucial to its GNH. However, economic development can lead to environmental degradation. Balancing economic growth with environmental protection is a key challenge.
Cultural Preservation: Bhutan's unique culture and traditions are a vital part of its identity and GNH. Globalization and modernization can lead to cultural erosion. Preserving Bhutanese culture while embracing progress is essential.
Political Stability and Governance: Bhutan's political system is evolving, and the government needs to maintain stability and transparency while managing the complex demands of development.
Framework for Analysis: To analyze the case, we will utilize the following framework:
- Porter's Five Forces: This framework helps assess the competitive landscape and identify opportunities for Bhutan's economic development.
- SWOT Analysis: This framework helps identify Bhutan's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in relation to its GNH goals.
- Stakeholder Analysis: This framework helps understand the interests and concerns of various stakeholders (government, people, investors, international organizations) in shaping Bhutan's development path.
4. Recommendations
To achieve sustainable and equitable development, Bhutan should implement the following recommendations:
1. Strategic Public-Private Partnerships: The government should actively promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) to leverage private sector expertise and investment in key sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, and tourism. PPPs can help attract foreign investment, create jobs, and ensure that development projects align with GNH principles.
2. Targeted Foreign Investment: Bhutan should focus on attracting foreign investment in sectors that align with its GNH goals, such as sustainable agriculture, green technology, and responsible tourism. This requires developing clear investment policies, providing incentives for environmentally and socially responsible businesses, and establishing robust regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability.
3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Bhutan should invest in innovation and entrepreneurship to create new industries and opportunities for its people. This can be achieved through:* Incubators and Accelerators: Establishing incubators and accelerators to support local entrepreneurs and startups.* Government Innovation Policies: Developing policies that encourage innovation, protect intellectual property rights, and provide access to funding.* Public-Private Innovation Ecosystems: Creating ecosystems that foster collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector to drive innovation.
4. Sustainable Tourism Development: Bhutan should continue to promote responsible tourism that prioritizes cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and local community benefits. This requires:* Strict Environmental Regulations: Enforcing strict environmental regulations to protect Bhutan's natural beauty.* Community-Based Tourism: Promoting community-based tourism initiatives that empower local communities and ensure equitable distribution of benefits.* Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Investing in sustainable infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact.
5. Capacity Building and Human Capital Development: Bhutan should invest in education, healthcare, and skills development to empower its people and prepare them for the challenges of globalization. This requires:* Education Reform: Investing in quality education and vocational training to equip Bhutanese citizens with the skills needed for the modern economy.* Healthcare Infrastructure: Improving healthcare infrastructure and access to quality healthcare services.* Social Safety Nets: Developing social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations and ensure equitable access to opportunities.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core Competencies and Consistency with Mission: The recommendations align with Bhutan's commitment to GNH by prioritizing sustainable development, cultural preservation, and social well-being.
- External Customers and Internal Clients: The recommendations address the needs of both external stakeholders (investors, international organizations) and internal stakeholders (Bhutanese people, government).
- Competitors: The recommendations help Bhutan remain competitive in the global economy by attracting foreign investment, fostering innovation, and developing a skilled workforce.
- Attractiveness: The recommendations are attractive to investors by offering a stable political environment, a unique cultural experience, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Assumptions: The recommendations assume a continued commitment to GNH by the Bhutanese government, a willingness to embrace innovation and technology, and a supportive international environment for sustainable development.
6. Conclusion
Bhutan faces a critical juncture in its development trajectory. By embracing a strategic approach that balances economic growth with GNH principles, Bhutan can achieve sustainable and equitable development while preserving its unique cultural heritage. The recommendations outlined above provide a roadmap for Bhutan to navigate the challenges of globalization and economic pressures while remaining true to its core values.
7. Discussion
Alternatives:
- Focusing solely on economic growth: This approach could lead to environmental degradation, cultural erosion, and social inequality, undermining GNH.
- Maintaining isolation and rejecting globalization: This approach would limit economic opportunities and hinder access to technology and resources.
Risks and Key Assumptions:
- Political Instability: Political instability could deter foreign investment and undermine development efforts.
- Environmental Degradation: Rapid economic growth could lead to environmental degradation, impacting GNH.
- Cultural Erosion: Globalization and modernization could lead to cultural erosion, undermining Bhutan's unique identity.
- Limited Resources: Bhutan's limited resources could pose a challenge to implementing the recommendations effectively.
Options Grid:
| Option | Benefits | Risks | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public-Private Partnerships | Increased investment, job creation, alignment with GNH principles | Corruption, lack of transparency, potential loss of control | Government commitment to PPPs, strong regulatory framework |
| Targeted Foreign Investment | Economic growth, technology transfer, access to resources | Environmental damage, cultural erosion, loss of control | Clear investment policies, strong regulatory framework |
| Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Job creation, economic diversification, sustainable development | Lack of funding, limited infrastructure, skills gap | Government support, access to funding, skilled workforce |
| Sustainable Tourism Development | Economic growth, cultural preservation, environmental protection | Over-tourism, environmental damage, loss of authenticity | Strict regulations, community-based tourism, sustainable infrastructure |
8. Next Steps
To implement these recommendations, Bhutan should:
- Develop a National Development Strategy: This strategy should clearly articulate the government's vision for development, outlining specific goals, targets, and timelines.
- Establish a GNH Commission: This commission should be responsible for monitoring progress towards GNH goals, evaluating policies, and providing recommendations to the government.
- Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships: The government should actively promote PPPs, develop clear guidelines, and establish a dedicated agency to oversee PPPs.
- Attract Foreign Investment: The government should develop a comprehensive investment strategy, provide incentives for responsible businesses, and establish a one-stop shop for investors.
- Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The government should invest in incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs, provide tax incentives for startups, and protect intellectual property rights.
- Develop a Sustainable Tourism Strategy: The government should enforce strict environmental regulations, promote community-based tourism, and invest in sustainable infrastructure.
- Invest in Human Capital Development: The government should invest in education, healthcare, and skills development to empower its people.
By taking these steps, Bhutan can ensure that its development path aligns with its GNH philosophy, leading to a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for its people.
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Case Description
Unique among the world's countries, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan had abandoned the traditional policy goal of increasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in favor of pursuing Gross National Happiness (GNH). Famously, Bhutan ranked highly on lists of the happiest countries in spite of a tumultuous history, a low life expectancy, a dismal literacy rate, a small and undiversified economy, and low GDP per capita. Everyone, it seemed, from tourists and Hollywood screenwriters to leading development economists, looked to Bhutan for enlightenment and perspective on crises both personal and global. GNH had become the country's brand and suggested a possible future for capitalism. Was Bhutan on to something? Was there really a tradeoff between growth and happiness, and, if so, was it acceptable? In early 2014, Bhutan's newly minted Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay was faced with these questions as he deliberated on whether to approve a massive new Bhutanese-Indian hydropower collaboration that experts argued would provide energy, foreign exchange, and invaluable jobs, but which also risked undermining the country's brand as well as its happiness.
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