Optimal Condition of Happiness: Application of Taguchi Robust Parameter Design on Evidences from India

In: Gross National Happiness: Practice and Measurement: Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Gross National Happiness. Thimphu, Centre for Bhutan Studies 2008, pp. 582-610 . ISBN 978-99936-14-52-4

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Abstract

The paper attempts to quantify the optimal condition of happiness, measured in terms of subjective wellbeing (SWB), by using Taguchi Robust Parameter Design. The study uses evidences from survey conducted in New Delhi across various segment of people covering 193 respondents. Responses on a total of 25 sources of happiness pertaining to three broad facets- domain satisfaction, lifetime pursuits and global experiences have been obtained. Taguchi orthogonal array design has been used separately on sources of happiness for these three broad facets at 3 and 5 levels. The optimization results suggest that among domain facet, a marginal change in good family life & wellbeing, good inter-personal relationship and good employment and job satisfaction would cause a large change in happiness. While for lifetime pursuit of happiness, most important sources are yoga and meditation, principles and responsibility, and cultural participation. Among the extra-domain sources pertaining to global experiences, factors such as responsible political leadership and low inflation have been found most important. The paper suggests that a prudent public policy could address these factors and also account for ways to improve them for achieving greater happiness for greater number of people.