From a system of national accounts to a process of national wellbeing accounting
File(s)
Author(s)
Allin, P
Hand, DJ
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
There are repeated calls to go “Beyond GDP”, for measures of wellbeing and progress in addition to those that the System of National Accounts (SNA) is designed to provide. We identify key issues that can help build on the rigour of SNA whilst fitting the measurement of economic performance within a broader assessment of national wellbeing and progress. Such drivers are already leading to a proliferation of indicators and accounts, for example in the development of non-monetary measures of natural resources. There are significant measurement challenges, not least the question of whether a single, overall measure or index of wellbeing is valid. But the challenge of measurement, per se, is one thing: in our view, a more critical issue is whether the measures will actually be used. We propose a dynamic and multi-staged approach for developing SNA, embracing the production and use of measures. This would start by identifying user requirements for wider measures, to provide the basis for national and cross-national developments in wellbeing accounting. We envisage greater branding and marketing of national wellbeing concepts to promote measures and support their use. We call for outreach by producers, so that there is dialogue about the development and use of measures.
Date Issued
2017-03-31
Date Acceptance
2017-02-17
Citation
International Statistical Review, 2017, 85 (2), pp.355-370
ISSN
1751-5823
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
355
End Page
370
Journal / Book Title
International Statistical Review
Volume
85
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Allin, P., and Hand, D. J. (2017) From a System of National Accounts to a Process of National Wellbeing Accounting. International Statistical Review, 85: 355–370., which has been published in final form at https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/insr.12215.. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Statistics & Probability
Mathematics
system of national accounts
beyond GDP
wellbeing
progress
sustainable development
user requirements
0104 Statistics
Publication Status
Published