Sero Boost

Dr. Cahit Guven: Measuring Happiness – From Personal Lives to Public Policy | Sero Boost #38

In this episode, host Lu Ngo explores the art of measuring happiness and its relationship with social responsibility. Joining her is Dr. Cahit Guven, a renowned global econometrician at XERO, who brings over a decade of research on happiness and well-being to the conversation. They explore the connections between individual happiness, social responsibility, and the policies that shape lives.

Meet Cahit Guven

Dr. Cahit Guven is currently the Global Econometrician within the Small Business Insights Program at XERO, a global cloud accounting software company. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Houston, USA, and is a well-known applied econometrician.

He had worked at Deakin University for more than a decade, researching the economics of happiness and well-being and published influential articles on the subject. His research was featured in domestic and international media outlets, including the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal. His work on marriage quality and happiness was recently featured in Psychology Today magazine.

About the episode

Dr. Cahit shares insights from his extensive research on happiness and well-being. He emphasizes that happiness is a universal concept characterized by personal contentment and a perception of a good overall quality of life. He discusses the efficient measurement of happiness in economics and its consistency as a measure of life satisfaction or subjective well-being.

The conversation then shifts towards social responsibility, encompassing both individual and corporate aspects. He explores the collective responsibility of individuals, organizations, and businesses for the well-being of society at large. Dr. Cahit highlights the significance of personal responsibility and individual well-being and the role of businesses in contributing to environmental sustainability.

Drawing from his study titled “Are Happier People Better Citizens,” Dr. Cahit reveals the connections between happiness and social responsibility. He looked into how happier individuals tend to engage more in civic activities, such as higher voter turnout, increased volunteering, and greater trust in others. 

Interestingly, his research uncovers an inverted relationship between happiness and social capital, suggesting an optimal level of happiness for effective social contribution.

This episode encourages listeners to recognize the link between happiness and social responsibility and explores policy recommendations to promote societal happiness. It also highlights the potential for individuals to collaboratively promote social responsibility within their communities, positively impacting personal contentment and public well-being.

In conclusion

Key takeaways from this episode include the understanding that happiness is a universal concept, encompassing personal contentment and a perception of a good overall quality of life. The conversation underscores the connections between individual happiness and social responsibility, revealing how happier individuals tend to engage more in civic activities and contribute positively to their communities. 

Dr. Cahit’s research highlights the significance of this link and offers policy recommendations to enhance social responsibility, ultimately boosting overall societal happiness.

Be the first to see our next episode. Follow us on social media to stay updated: 

YouTube 

Facebook 

Instagram

Twitter

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Apple Podcasts 

Spotify 

Amazon 

iHeart Radio 

Podbean 

PlayerFM 

Podchaser 

Google Podcast

Ingy Musallam

Recent Posts

Effects of Birth Order on Sibling Dynamics

It's always fun to be born with siblings, with their games and not-so-serious fights. But…

4 days ago

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Self-doubt is a silent thief that steals confidence and casts shadows on even the greatest…

6 days ago

How to Improve Skeletal Muscle Function for Optimal Health

Most people don’t think about them often, but skeletal muscles are essential to overall health. …

1 week ago

AI and Data-Related Careers for Affluence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major tool of convenience for daily life, creating a…

1 week ago

How to Make Your House a Sanctuary

It's easy to feel overburdened by the commotion of modern living. Long workdays, social engagements,…

2 weeks ago

The Benefits and Pitfalls of Anger

Do you think of anger as a bad emotion? Or of happiness as the natural,…

2 weeks ago