Bhutan Journal of Management (BJoM) is a biannual, peer-reviewed publication of the Royal Institute of Management (RIM). It features original research articles, review papers, and case studies that explore public policy and management issues relevant to the Bhutanese context
Keiji Nishioka lived in and “for” Bhutan for 28 years, from 1964 to 1992, and played a pivotal role in modernizing the country’s farming sector and remains a deeply respected figure in Bhutan. In Dasho Keiji Nishioka: A Japanese Who Lived in Bhutan, Dr. Tshering Cigay Dorji and Dr. Dorji Penjore offer an intimate and richly detailed portrayal of Keiji’s life journey—a major strength of the work, as will be reiterated later in this review.
Cross-Cultural, Ethical, and Development Perspectives
Copyright (c) 2025 Bhutan Journal of Management
English Language Proficiency as a Predictor of Academic Performance in English-Medium Subjects
This study investigates the extent to which English language proficiency predicts academic performance in English-medium instruction subjects among Bhutanese middle secondary students. Drawing on data from 1,352 students across two urban and two rural schools during the 2023 and 2024 academic year, multi-linear regression analyses were conducted on the overall sample as well as on subgroups based on school location and gender. The results show that English proficiency is a strong and statistically significant predictor of academic performance across all groups, with the highest predictive strength observed among urban students (β0= 0.79, R² = 0.79) and female students (β0= 0.68, R² = 0.72). Notably, the model explained less variance in the performance of rural students (R² = 0.50), suggesting that other unmeasured factors may influence academic outcomes in these contexts. These findings reinforce existing evidence on the critical role of English proficiency in education systems where English is the medium of instruction. They also underscore the need for context sensitive policies that support language development. Such policies should aim to reduce rural-urban disparities and address unmeasured factors affecting rural students’ academic outcomes through targeted interventions.
This study examines the current state of tax compliance among Bhutanese taxpayers with respect to direct taxation: Business Income Tax (BIT), Corporate Income Tax (CIT), and Personal Income Tax (PIT). It explores common forms of noncompliance, investigates the underlying causes, and identifies strategic actions that the Department of Revenue & Customs (DRC) can implement to encourage voluntary compliance. Primary data were collected through both paper-based and online questionnaires administered to 338 taxpayers. The study found that the primary reasons for non-compliance include cumbersome compliance procedures, limited awareness of tax laws, and unfavorable perceptions of taxation. Some taxpayers view tax obligation as burdensome or inadequately acknowledged, while others perceive tax rates are unreasonably high, admitting to deliberate non-compliance. A notable proportion of respondents even consider tax evasion as social norms and acceptable behaviour. These findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions, including the simplification of tax procedures, improved taxpayer education, and initiatives to positively sway public attitudes toward taxation. The study offers practical recommendations aimed at strengthening Bhutan’s tax system and fostering a culture of voluntary compliance.
Assessing Improvements in Accessibility and Student Perspectives on eLearning in Rural Schools in Bhutan During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted education worldwide, resulting in widespread school closures and an abrupt shift to eLearning. This study examines the accessibility of eLearning and students’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural school in Bhutan, focusing on the initial and later phases of emergency eLearning. Data were collected in two rounds—March 2020 and June–August 2022—using census and surveys to capture changes in device access, connectivity, parental support, curriculum relevance, and overall satisfaction. Findings show significant improvements in access to smartphones and modest improvements in BBS TV and laptops, which facilitated gradual adaptation to eLearning. However, reliable internet connectivity declined, parental support decreased, and challenges related to timetables and curriculum persisted, limiting the effectiveness and equity of learning. Overall satisfaction improved moderately, suggesting device accessibility as a key enabler of engagement. Based on these results, the study recommends targeted policies to provide equitable device access, strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance parental support, among others to ensure sustainable and inclusive eLearning in rural Bhutan.
Examining the Role of Ethical Leadership in Shaping Employee Behaviour in Bhutanese Government Agencies
In the address at the opening ceremony of the 8th session of the Third Parliament in 2023, His Majesty the King raised significant concerns regarding the achievement of national goals amidst management and administrative challenges. His Majesty emphasized the need for accountability, highlighting substantial waste caused by structural inefficiencies. To address these issues and align with His Majesty's vision, fostering ethical competencies among leaders is essential. These competencies—such as integrity, fairness, transparency, and accountability—are critical for cultivating a culture of ethics and combating corruption, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of Bhutanese agencies and organizations. This study examines the influence of ethical leadership on employee workplace behaviour in government agencies in Bhutan. A quantitative analysis of survey data from 366 respondents reveals a strong positive relationship between supervisors' ethical leadership qualities and employees' perceptions of them as role models (p<0.05). Respondents who view their supervisors as demonstrating ethical traits, such as honesty and fairness, report significantly lower engagement in negative workplace behaviours. Furthermore, ethical leadership is positively associated with specific aspects of positive organizational behaviour, including improved decision-making, increased motivation, and enhanced prosocial actions among employees. These findings underscore the pivotal role of ethical leadership in fostering a more accountable and high-performing public sector in Bhutan.
Human Resource Management and Leadership
Bhutanese Indigenous Rice Cultivation Cycle
This article explores similarities between traditional Bhutanese rice cultivation in Samcholing village, Bhutan, and modern management practices, and highlights how both systems, despite operating in vastly different contexts, share some core management principles. Based on ethnographic information, the study argues that traditional rice cultivation in Samcholing is a sophisticated model of resource, labour, and knowledge management, adapted to its unique environment over the centuries. Both managers and rice cultivators adopt structured, systematic, and goal-oriented approaches through planning, organizing, leading, staffing, and controlling. The study emphasizes how Samcholing rice cultivators manage vagaries of weather, constants of time and labour, and a host of risks. The paper contributes to management studies by reframing traditional Bhutanese agricultural knowledge as a contextspecific yet transferable system of effective management, offering insights into sustainable and community-based resource governance.
Employee Well-being at Norbuling Rigter College
This study examines the well-being of employees at Norbuling Rigter College through the lens of Steven Covey’s seventh habit, “Sharpening the Saw.” The research aims to contextualize Covey’s framework within the college’s organizational behaviour and culture, focusing on four domains: physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional wellbeing. Utilizing a survey design, data were collected from 89 employees using a census sampling method and analysed through descriptive statistics. The results indicate varying levels of well-being across the domains, with social/emotional and mental well-being rated highest, and physical well-being rated lowest. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating and improving the four domains in an organisation to enhance employee wellbeing. Recommendations for enhancing employee well-being include promoting physical health initiatives, encouraging spiritual engagement, fostering social connections, and supporting mental health practices.
This research paper assessed the business enabling environment in Bhutan mainly from the perspectives of the business operators using the ten parameters of Business Enabling Environment (BEE) as proposed by the World Bank. These parameters include: (i) business entry, (ii) business location, (iii) utility connections, (iv) labour, (v) financial services, (vi) international trade, (vii) taxation, (viii) dispute resolution, (ix) market competition, and (x) business insolvency. A quantitative method was used to carry out the study and get the responses from the business operators. Responses were obtained from 695 respondents which included 290 owners of small-scale businesses, 194 mediums. The research highlights Bhutan’s competitive strengths in digital governance (1 day business registration for small businesses via G2B portal), utility reliability (77.1% satisfaction with electricity), and tax administration (ranked 15th globally). However, it also identifies critical challenges, including digital exclusion (93.5% of rural SMEs unaware of online services), labour market imbalances (19% youth unemployment despite 70.6% literacy rate), and infrastructure disparities between urban and rural regions. The findings reveal three key tensions in Bhutan’s business landscape: (i) between rapid digitalization and rural inclusion, (ii) between environmental protection and economic scalability, and (iii) between regulatory quality and field-level awareness. To address these challenges, while preserving Bhutan’s unique Gross National Happiness framework, the study proposes: (i) digital empowerment programmes combining mobile training units with localized awareness campaigns, (ii) sector-specific skills development focusing on green technology and high-value tourism, (iii) enhanced trade facilitation through Bhutan TradeFin Net optimization and regional logistics partnerships, (iv) targeted rural infrastructure development prioritizing last-mile connectivity, (v) improving financial accessibility for the businesses, and (vi) brand development initiatives leveraging Bhutan’s carbonnegative status.
Motivations Behind Bhutanese Emigration to Australia
Bhutan, a small country with an even smaller population, is currently grappling with the growing challenge of emigration. While one school of thought argues that migration will eventually peak and decline, others warn that, if the current trend continues, Bhutan may soon face a severe shortage of workforce—even for basic desk jobs. This study aims to examine the driving factors behind emigration from Bhutan and to propose strategies to address the issue. Employing a mixed-methods approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative data, this descriptive research draws on cross-sectional data collected from Bhutanese currently residing in various cities across Australia. Participants were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The study applies Lee’s migration theory as its conceptual framework, and the data were analysed using SPSS and Excel. Findings reveal that among the four broad categories of push and pull factors—economic, social, administrative, and political—social factors emerged as the most influential, followed by economic, administrative, and political factors. Personal motivations also played a significant role, while intervening obstacles were considered the least important by respondents. Based on these findings, the study recommends several measures to mitigate emigration, including improving current working conditions, strengthening the private sector, instituting part-time job opportunities, enhancing income levels, and decongesting urban areas to lower the cost of living
Socio-Economic Development and Public Well-Being
Comparative Analysis of Adolescent Attitudes Towards LGBTQ+ in Urban and Rural Schools in Thimphu
The objective of the research is to examine the attitude difference between urban and rural school adolescents towards lesbian and gay individuals in Thimphu. There were 240 participants in the study, with 120 from urban schools and 120 from rural schools. The study adopted a stratified random sampling method. To gather data, structured self-administered survey questionnaires in hardcopy have been distributed to all identified respondents. The instrument used a five-point Likert scale to assess the attitude of students towards lesbians and gays. The findings revealed a significant difference in attitude between urban and rural adolescents towards lesbian and gay individuals, with urban participants demonstrating a higher level of acceptance compared to their rural counterparts. The findings show a statistically significant difference in attitudes, with urban respondents scoring slightly higher (M = 3.86, SD = 0.18) than rural respondents (M = 3.78, SD = 0.17), t(238) = 3.496, p = 0.01, CI [0.04, 0.13]. The effect size was modest (d = 0.45), indicating a slightly more positive attitude among urban students. This highlights geographical disparity in attitudes toward lesbian and gay individuals among adolescents.
Copyright (c) 2024 Bhutan Journal of Management
Onboarding Practices in the Bhutanese Civil Service Agencies
Onboarding is the process of integrating a new hire to an organization and its culture, as well as providing them with the resources and knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to the team (Maurer 2020). The objective of this research paper was to find out the adequacy and effectiveness of existing onboarding practices in the Bhutanese civil service from the perspectives of newly recruited civil servants. It is based on the conceptual framework of onboarding developed by Tayla Bauer (2010) that comprises of compliance, clarification, culture and connection. The data was collected from a sample size of 210 civil servants who joined the civil service in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The analysed data revealed that only 53.10% of the respondents felt adjusted in their new jobs upon completion of their onboarding programmes. This could be due to a number of factors associated with inadequate resources to implement onboarding programmes in agencies, lack of clarity on the duration of the programmes and poor planning. Among all the key components of the onboarding, the connection component is ranked lower than others which calls for more attention in terms of fostering fraternity bonds and creating the sense of belongingness with the new employees. One of the ways to improve the onboarding process could be through institutionalization of proper mentorship for all the new employees which is not comprehensively implemented across the civil service agencies.
Exploring Attrition and Retention Factors in the Bhutanese Civil Service
This study investigates the attrition and retention factors within the Bhutanese civil service, focusing on developing effective strategies to enhance workforce stability and efficiency. Adopting a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, the research engages 841 participants comprising retired (145) and currently employed civil servants (696), utilizing a simple random sampling method. The results indicated that the primary reasons for leaving include lack of career development and poor management, whereas meaningful work and positive work environments anchor retention. Moreover, the findings suggest that improving career progression opportunities, management quality, and compensation packages, along with fostering a supportive work culture, are critical to mitigating attrition and enhancing retention. These insights not only assist in policy formulation within Bhutan but also resonate with global public sector employment challenges, offering a blueprint for other nations seeking to bolster their civil service sectors.
This review article aims to understand the state of succession planning in the civil service by examining existing literature in the country. The review highlights that the delayed recognition and execution of succession planning in Bhutan have led to challenges, including a shortage of skilled employees, a mismatch between human resource supply and demand, and the departure of experienced personnel from the civil service. The absence of clear guidance and strategic direction for succession planning has hindered its incorporation within government agencies. Given the civil service’s alarming attrition rate, the significance of succession planning has become increasingly apparent.
Do Public Libraries Have a Role in the Digital Age?
This paper aims to scrutinize the role of public libraries in promoting education and information literacy within local communities in the internet era. Public libraries, as bastions of knowledge traditionally, have not only fostered user education but have also been instrumental in delivering community information services. The paper delineates and evaluates the influence of public libraries on user education and community literacy initiatives. Despite the pervasive impact of digital technology, the findings affirm the enduring relevance and value of public libraries. They continue to play a crucial role in our digitally-driven society, actively fostering user education for the overall advancement of society.
Digital Transformation, Communication, and Information Management
Public Service Motivation Among the Civil Servants in Thimphu
Public service motivation (PSM) is a relatively new concept in motivational approaches, generally defined the inner drive in the individual to contribute to society, supported by their beliefs, values, and attitudes, which transcend self-interest for the public good. This research assesses the level of public service motivation among employees of the Bhutanese Civil Service. Conducted in Thimphu, the study sampled 383 respondents from the 8,546 civil servants working in the capital city, representing approximately 30% of the total civil service workforce. When examining civil servants' motivations for joining the service, it is disheartening to find that only 27.75% expressed a desire to serve the nation and society, while other reasons were more aligned with personal goals such as job security, capacity development, earnings, networking, and social status. However, when assessing civil servants' values, beliefs, and attitudes using structured PSM instruments, respondents generally agreed (though not strongly) that they are committed to contributing to the public good regardless of their diverse reasons for joining the civil service. Traditional approaches to motivation are becoming outdated, evidenced by increasing attrition among civil servants. PSM offers a potential solution by reigniting employees' inner motivational drive and providing a platform where passion can align with public purpose. However, achieving this requires serious introspection by both employers and employees, viewing their jobs as a calling rather than merely completing tasks and prioritizing personal goals.
The Impact of Learning Buddhist Values on Graduates of the College of Language and Culture Studies in Trongsa, Bhutan
The significance of Buddhist values in promoting moral and human values has gained considerable attention. Incorporating these values in education has numerous impacts, and this study aimed to explore the advantages of studying Buddhist values among graduates of the College of Language and Culture Studies (CLCS) at Taktse, Trongsa. The study sampled 244 respondents, and quantitative data was collected through online survey questionnaires. Additionally, four in-person interviews were conducted using semi-structured questions for ethnographic insights. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS, along with thematic analysis. The research findings demonstrate that learning Buddhist values had various positive effects on individuals. Participants reported using right speech, upholding right action, and exhibiting right conduct as a result of studying Buddhist values. Moreover, individuals were able to contribute to societal welfare and strengthen their interpersonal relationships by applying values such as mutual respect, social responsibility, integrity, and honesty. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate the human values exemplified in Buddhism into the curricula of schools, colleges, and training institutes in Bhutan. This approach serves two important objectives: 36 promoting value-based education and equipping future generations with the necessary foundations to lead moral and ethical lives.
What Motivates the Millennials in Bhutan
The study of work motivation among Millennials has become a significant global topic, considering their status as the largest and most recent cohort to enter the workforce. Their unique characteristics, skills, and aspirations distinguish them from previous generations. This research delves into the primary motivational factors among Millennials in Bhutan. The findings reveal that 51 percent of Bhutanese Millennials express satisfaction with their current employment, unlike the remaining 49 percent. Among their priorities, career development, work-life balance, work passion, salary, and work environment emerge as pivotal motivators. Contrary to conventional assumptions about the primacy of financial incentives, nonfinancial rewards hold greater sway among Bhutanese Millennials. Despite their current job satisfaction, many express a willingness to explore new opportunities elsewhere, reflecting a penchant for new experiences and enhanced prospects. Moreover, the study reveals that conventional motivational strategies, such as the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ approach, may not effectively resonate with Millennials. Instead, they are fueled by their passion for work and seek autonomy and flexibility in their roles. While they seek guidance and support from their leaders, they value independence in their work endeavours. These findings underscore the need to reassess motivational approaches in the workplace to effectively engage and retain the burgeoning talent pool of Millennials. Adapting the employee value proposition to align with Millennials’ preferences is imperative for organizations aiming to attract, retain, and leverage this dynamic demographic.
An Assessment of the Impact of Herzberg’s Motivation- Hygiene Factors on Teachers’ Motivation in Public Secondary Schools Under Thimphu Thromde in Bhutan
In recent years, teacher attrition has become a growing concern in Bhutan. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of Frederick Herzberg's motivation and hygiene factors on teachers' motivation. The study included a total of 200 teachers (n = 200) from 13 public secondary schools under Thimphu Thromde. Raw data were collected using structured, close-ended, and online Google survey questionnaires. Quantitative analysis of the data revealed that motivation factors had a greater influence on teachers' motivation compared to hygiene factors. Among the motivation factors, achievement (72.5%) and advancement (71.25%) had the highest impact on teachers' motivation. On the other hand, work security (65.16%) and relationship with peers (64.66%) had the most significant influence on motivation among hygiene factors. The impact of motivation-hygiene factors on motivation did not differ based on the teachers' demographic attributes (p > 0.05). As a result, this study recommends that relevant agencies prioritize both categories of Herzberg's factors to enhance teacher motivation. Additionally, this study provides suggestions for further research in the future.
Copyright (c) 2023 Bhutan Journal of Management
Socio-Economic Effects of Gungtong on Rural Communities
In Bhutan, the phenomenon of vacant or abandoned homes, locally known as 'gungtong,' has become increasingly prevalent, reflecting the rapid urbanization of the country's rural villages. The 2017 Population and Housing Census of Bhutan (PHCB) recorded over 4,800 unoccupied or abandoned dwellings in rural areas, highlighting the growing trend of deserted rural properties and its multifaceted implications for the socio-economic and environmental well-being of local communities. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effects of gungtong on Bhutan's rural population, with a specific focus on both its underlying causes and resulting consequences. The study centers its examination on the communities of Kengkhar in Mongar and Bartsham in Trashigang, strategically chosen due to their substantial concentration of gungtong. Employing purposive sampling, respondents from these regions were selected for participation, and data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews. The collected qualitative data underwent rigorous thematic analysis to discern key patterns and insights. The findings reveal that the primary causes of gungtong are closely intertwined with educational and employment factors. Young individuals exhibit diminished interest in pursuing traditional agricultural livelihoods, often leading to their migration away from rural areas either as dependent family members or due to marriage-related factors. The ramifications experienced by rural communities due to gungtong encompass financial strain on those left behind, agricultural crop damage caused by wildlife, labour shortages, and a decline in overall community vibrancy. Additionally, the research sheds light on the various coping strategies employed by rural residents and their perspectives on the potential for return migration.
Factors Influencing Collaboration Among Public Organizations in Bhutan
Collaboration has been a longstanding issue in Bhutan's public sector since its inception in the 1960s. Common themes such as red-tapism, fragmented organizations, and duplication of efforts have been widely reported by media, public sector organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs), and international organizations. Limited guidelines on implementation and a lack of applied research exacerbate the difficulty of realizing collaboration. This study aims to understand the key factors that influence interagency collaboration in Bhutan. To this end, a quantitative design was used to test the perceptions of respondents using a 17-item survey questionnaire. The questionnaire measured constructs of relevant concepts in interagency literature under three independent variables (organizational characteristics, perceived environmental pressures, and employees' attitudes towards collaboration) and a dependent variable (extent of interagency activity). Spearman's correlation test results indicate a slight negative link (r = -0.24) between organizational characteristics and the extent of interagency activity, while perceived environmental pressures (r = 0.31) and employees' attitudes towards collaboration (r = 0.27) show a slight positive link with the extent of interagency activity. The study recommends drawing interagency guidelines from local research and identifies future research opportunities in the field.
Public Sector Performance and Organizational Management
Employees’ attitudes towards collaboration
Contextual Issues Affecting the Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in A Developing Country
The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that accounting standards and financial reporting practices are deeply influenced by country-specific contextual factors, and these factors must not be overlooked when considering the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This qualitative study is a critical examination of the Bhutanese accounting environment and raises concerns related to the adoption of IFRS by applying the accounting ecology framework. The study presents evidence that the contextual disparities between Bhutan and the countries where IFRSs have been developed pose challenges for the seamless transition and successful implementation of IFRS in Bhutan. Several characteristics of the Bhutanese accounting environment, such as cultural differences, an underdeveloped capital market, the impact of accounting-related laws on financial reporting, an emerging accounting profession, and the absence of a professional accounting organization, act as obstacles to the smooth transition and consistent application and interpretation of IFRS in Bhutan.
Effectiveness of Online Training in the Bhutanese Civil Service
Online training gained significant traction within Bhutanese civil service organizations, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Notably, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) issued a directive in 2022, compelling all government agencies to prioritize online training as part of cost saving measures (Pem, 2022). Consequently, the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), in collaboration with various ministries and agencies, embarked on investing in online training initiatives. Nevertheless, there remains a degree of skepticism regarding its effectiveness, given that online training is a relatively novel approach compared to traditional formal training methods. Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of online training within the Bhutanese civil service. As of September 22, 2022, a total of 993 Bhutanese civil servants had participated in online training programs. Employing Yamane's formula, 285 civil servants from 18 Dzongkhags (districts) who had engaged in one or more online training courses within the six months preceding data collection were included in this study. The evaluation was structured around Kirkpatrick's four-level training assessment framework, encompassing participants' initial reactions to the training, the extent of learning attained during the training period, the application of acquired knowledge and skills to their job roles, and the results achieved as a consequence of the training. The results of the assessment revealed that online training in civil service organizations was effective across all levels, including its impact on achieving desired outcomes. Nevertheless, some participants (42.8 percent) expressed concerns about the unreliability of internet connectivity, with 54.3 percent indicating that they had to personally finance their internet connections. Additionally, participants raised issues during the application of their newly acquired skills and knowledge to their job responsibilities. These issues encompassed poor receptivity of skills within their organizations, insufficient equipment and facilities, technology learned through online training that was not directly applicable to their roles, budget constraints hindering the implementation of acquired knowledge and skills, lack of support from supervisors or superiors, and inappropriate job placements following training. In light of these findings, it is imperative to consider these factors in order to enhance the effectiveness of online training in the future.
This review aims to critically and systematically assess the past research on civil servants’ well-being, and provide suggestions for future research by performing a SWOT analysis. For the present review, nine works were examined, all of which were studies carried out on civil servants’ well-being. However, there are certain criteria adopted for the inclusion of the studies used for the review. These are (1) empirical investigation, (2) studies on civil servants and their wellbeing, (3) published in peer-reviewed journals, and (4) written in English. Findings from the reviewed articles, concepts of well-being, and methods used were presented and discussed in the result section. The reviewed studies were then discussed using a SWOT analysis to address the strengths and weaknesses of the reviewed research as well as the identified opportunities and threats. Taken together, these results suggest that to enhance or promote civil servants’ well-being, the organisation and the government must provide well-being education; establish well-being centres in the offices and the organisation, and provide timely counselling to the civil servants who require counselling related to well-being. In addition, these findings contribute in several ways to our understanding of well-being and provide a basis for future studies to undertake research on civil servants’ well-being.
Bhutan has maintained strong socio-economic development over the years, but this has not resulted in widespread job creation. According to labour market data, the actual number of job vacancies exceeds the number of registered job seekers, but there is a higher rate of youth unemployment among its economically active population, which has been the trend over the years. Given its small population size, it is a matter of concern. As a result, in order to understand the root causes of youth unemployment in Bhutan, the current study examined the causes of youth unemployment by reviewing national and international reports, as well as articles published in credible journals by local and international researchers. The findings of the study suggest that the most important reason for youth unemployment in Bhutan is a lack of education and skills, followed by a skills-job mismatch, a lack of work experience, an underdeveloped private sector, and youth preferences for civil service. The study recommends that the government and policymakers re-evaluate and assess our current tertiary education system in order to reorient it to the world of work. The government should continue to promote private sector development as the true engine of growth and job creation. Assessing and imparting skills demand in the labour market in institutions and colleges, promoting entrepreneurship for selfemployment, making agriculture an appealing and sustainable sector, and improving the attractiveness of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) can all help to reduce youth unemployment in the country.
Expectations of Civil Servants and Public From Civil Service Reform in Bhutan
Periodic reforms of the civil service ensure dynamism, efficiency and effectiveness of the system to serve changing needs of society. This research assesses the expectations of civil servants and the public from the newly proposed civil service reform. Data were collected both from the civil servants and the public. A quantitative research method was used, and data were analysed using SPSS. Findings show that respondents are excited and they expect that the reform will transform civil service into a dynamic institution. While political support is vital for reform, there are concerns that political interference by elected officials could undermine the long-term development of the bureaucracy. Civil servants reported good leadership capacity in the civil service to manage reform but the public have lower confidence in the leadership capacity of the civil service. While the institutional capacity is rated reasonably high in terms of its readiness to manage and implement the reforms, respondents emphasised on the need to develop effective organisational policies, systems, rules and procedures to introduce and sustain the reform. There are concerns on the complacency of civil servants which requires a change in mind-set across the civil service. Having learnt from some of the past reforms within and outside the country, reform must be contextualised to our unique needs supported by prior research works and consultation processes. Adoption of relevant technologies will facilitate the reform process but has to be done carefully as people fear losing their jobs due to the automation process. Respondents have expressed to implement the reform in a phased-wise manner rather than implementing everything together.
Exploratory Study on Green Supply Chain Management Practices and Drivers in Large and Medium Industries of Bhutan
Green supply chain management (GSCM) has become a key approach for industries seeking to become economically and environmentally sustainable. The concern for GSCM has received much attention in recent years. This paper examines and describes GSCM practices and drivers in large and medium industries of Bhutan. Further, it aims to find whether the industry’s size and type influence the GSCM practice adoption. The study used a cross-sectional research design. Survey data is obtained from 73 industries by administering structured questionnaires via email. The study used descriptive statistics and the inferential statistical test - ANOVA test to interpret the results. Results showed that national environmental regulation is a major driver of GSCM adoption and highly adopted practices are green distribution and internal environmental management. Results also portrayed that there is no significant variation in the adoption of practices among different sizes and types of industries. GSCM is comparatively a new concept in Bhutanese industries.
A policy can be deemed unsuccessful when it fails to achieve its intended objectives. While most policies in Bhutan have been successful in terms of outcomes and impact, there have been a few instances where desired benefits were not realized. In light of this, a research study was conducted with the aim of identifying the causes of policy failures in Bhutan, utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional survey. The research findings revealed that inadequate coordination and insufficient implementation, monitoring, and evaluation were major contributing factors to policy failures in Bhutan. Furthermore, the study highlighted that policies lacked a strong foundation in evidence-based research, leading to inadequate analysis of problems and issues, ultimately resulting in policy failures. Another key finding was the lack of proper alignment between policy planning and implementation, stemming from a deficiency in coordination and consultation among key stakeholders. A significant number of respondents reported the absence of standardized evaluation criteria and an impartial authority to assess programs and projects. Policy learning, a crucial aspect of the policy cycle aimed at continuous improvement, was found to be lacking in the existing system. To address these gaps in the policy process, this paper puts forward several recommendations. These include fostering a research culture in policy formulation, creating a stronger synergy and interface between policy planners and implementers, enhancing implementation guidelines, and strengthening the existing monitoring and evaluation system. Additionally, the promotion of policy learning for continuous improvement is emphasized as a necessary step towards addressing the identified lacunae
Parental Involvement in Secondary Schools
Parental involvement in the education of student is new in Bhutanese schools and no study has been conducted to examine the parental involvement in their children’s education. This study aims to find out how secondary schools currently involve parents and barriers to such involvement. The study was carried out in one higher secondary schools in Thimphu Thromde, Bhutan. Data were collected through observation, interview and focus group discussion. The observation of parental involvement in the school was carried out for three years and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 teachers of the same school. A non-probability convenience sampling was used to select the school and teacher participants. To substantiate the findings, parents of seven students studying in the same school were randomly selected to participate in the focus group discussions. The observation, interview and focus group discussion were analysed using emerging themes. The study revealed that the school involves parents through Parent Teacher Meeting and the School Parents Education Awareness programmes. However, there was no written school guideline on parental involvement and effective communication between teachers and parents. Teachers were not confident to involve parents due to limited exposure and lack of training. The study recommends addressing the issue by developing formal guidelines on involving parents in their children’s education process and ensuring consistent monitoring and follow-up of its implementation.
Copyright (c) 2022 Bhutan Journal of Management
Users’ Perceptions of G2C E-service Quality in Thimphu Thromde
A gradual yet visible diffusion of information and communication technology has shifted the mode of service delivery from traditional help desk to electronic networks, and Bhutan is no exception. Although a number of services are available online as a means of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of the service delivery, little is known about the user’s perspective on these services. The current paper focuses on understanding the quality of G2C e-services in Thimphu Thromde from users’ perspective using a modified version of the E-S-QUAL and E-GovQual instruments. The findings indicate that the users generally have a positive view of G2C services of Thimphu Thromde, including the system availability, usability, contact, reliability and responsiveness. One notable finding was that users had low confidence towards security and privacy measures of the website, highlighting the concerns associated with the protection of personal information. The practical implications of these findings are that service providers should concentrate on communicating the availability and functionality of their e-services. In addition, they should focus on reducing citizens’ concerns regarding the misuse or mismanagement of personal data to ensure increased adoption and user satisfaction.
A Study on the Relationship Between Human Resource Management Practices and Job Satisfaction of Teachers in Public Schools in Thimphu Thromde
The objective of this paper is to study the relationship between human resource management and the job satisfaction of teachers of three different public high schools under the Thimphu Thromde. The research design used for this paper is a quantitative representative method. Human resource management [HRM] factors such as career development, promotion and incentives, and conducive working environment are vital and directly related to job satisfaction in every organization. In line with this, the finding of the paper shows that both the school management and government are developing teachers’ skills and providing a conducive working environment. The findings indicate that the teachers of those high schools receive support and assistance from school management. The test result shows better human resource management and higher job satisfaction of the teachers of the three public high schools under the Thimphu Thromde.