This article originally appeared on The Business School's website.
Kent Schroeder was surprised and, yes, happy to receive an award
for his research on Bhutan’s unique development strategy, Gross National
Happiness.
Schroeder, program coordinator of The Business School’s International
Development Degree, received the “certificate of appreciation” from the
Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, during a conference in the
South Asian nation in November.
Schroeder was attending the 6th International Conference of Gross
National Happiness: From GNH Philosophy to Praxis and Policy, when he
was surprised to be called onstage to receive the award.
He is one of eight recipients from around the world who have
contributed to GNH, a strategy based on sustainable socio-economic
development, preserving cultural values, conserving the environment and
fostering good governance.
Under the aegis of The Business School, Schroeder had been involved
in the past in co-designing and delivering a management training project
to the public sector in Bhutan.
“These experiences demonstrated to me that there was something
interesting and different happening in Bhutan, and that was really the
basis for my research project.”
Schroeder’s unique thesis “The Politics of Gross National Happiness”
looked at the practical application of the concept on the ground, not
just the theory of it — similar to The Business School’s approach to
teaching applied, practical applications.
Schroeder’s thesis also led to a symposium, hosted by The Business
School at Lakeshore Campus in the spring of 2015, for the NGO community.
“Beyond GDP: Development Alternatives to Growth” sold out quickly and
proved to be a success that exceeded expectations. Speakers included
Jigmi Y. Thinley, the former prime minister of Bhutan, as well as
representatives from organizations including World Wildlife Fund, World
Vision, UNICEF and the David Suzuki Foundation.
As for Schroeder, his work continues. “I hope to continue to focus on
GNH research, particularly through developing partnerships for The
Business School that look for ways to grow ideas and movements.”
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