From Perma To Permaig©: Happiness instrument development

Abstract

Measuring the Happiness Index has become a crucial part of higher learning institutions’ strategic planning and policy making in paving the future. Therefore, developing and measuring the happiness instrument however is critical as it must be relevant to the context of the study in its own setting. Based on previous study, Seligman’s PERMA model was often adopted as a measurement of happiness index in the higher learning institutions. The PERMA Model, which was developed by Seligman in 2011 consist of Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationship, Meaningful and Accomplishment. This article will explain further on the development of the happiness instruments used to determine the happiness index in a public organisation based on the KJ Method and Seligman’s PERMA Model. A focus group study was conducted using the staff of a public organisation in Malaysia. Therefore, by using Seligman’s PERMA model as a guide, the result of the focus group entails seven elements of measurements. The seven elements are Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationship, Meaningful, Accomplishment, Infrastructure and Gratitude.