Enduring national unity through enhancing happiness: hedonic and eudaimonic approaches

Sarif, Suhaimi Mhd and Ismail, Yusof (2011) Enduring national unity through enhancing happiness: hedonic and eudaimonic approaches. In: Persidangan Kebangsaan Perpaduan Nasional, 14-16 December 2011, Hotel Seri Pacific, Kuala Lumpur.

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Abstract

This paper examines the efforts to create enduring national unity in Malaysia by enhancing the citizens’ happiness from the welfare economics perspectives, particularly through the hedonic and eudaimonic approaches. While hedonic approach emphasizes on the tangible aspects of a person’s happiness, eudaimonic approach focuses on the realization of a person’s intangible aspect (i.e. self development potential). The paper argues that national unity in Malaysia can be endured through these approaches despite the diversity in faiths, races, and ideologies. The results from personal interview with 15 Malaysian executives of different faiths, races, and ideologies demonstrate that the executives do value tangible aspect (hedonic) to enhance their happiness, but hedonism alone is insufficient and not strong enough to endure national unity in the country. All economic resources should be managed to help integrate and reinforce tangible (hedonic) and intangible (eudaimonic) aspects of citizens’ well being. This study suggests that Malaysian employers (both private and public sectors) should review their remuneration scheme and incentives plan as an effort to enhance happiness and endure national unity at workplaces and in the society.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Full Paper)
Additional Information:	3328/11489
Uncontrolled Keywords:	National unity, hedonic approach, eudaimonic approach, happiness
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory > HB846 Welfare theory H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business. Business Administration > HF5549 Personnel management
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences > Department of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Dr Suhaimi Mhd Sarif
Date Deposited:	01 Mar 2012 11:27
Last Modified:	01 Mar 2012 11:27
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/11489

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