Determinants of Values of Integrity in Bhutanese Youth: An Empirical Study

Abstract

The study primarily examined the various factors that contribute towards instilling values in the youth. Values are those principles or standards that help improve quality of life and forms the basis of character and personality development. Values can be love, compassion, sympathy, empathy, tolerance, etc. They lay the foundation for externally practiced values like integrity, honesty, discipline, punctuality, and loyalty. The study also assessed the effectiveness of the Integrity Club. The integrity clubs instituted in the schools’ advocated integrity, trust, respect, ownership, leadership, teamwork, and patriotism to students and staff through various activities. The study, using the data from the Youth Integrity Assessment (YIA) 2022 conducted by the Anti-Corruption Commission of Bhutan (ACC) found that factors, such as, positive social influence, being accountable for one’s actions, and believing in ethical conduct formed the prerequisite conditions for leading a successful life. Hence, these critical factors significantly engendered positive values in the youths. Moreover, having an Integrity Club in the schools made a positive influence on the youths particularly in understanding the ethical way of living. Also, in general, the females and the mature youths in the schools with Integrity Club portrayed of possessing more values in comparison to the youths in the schools without Integrity Club. The study's findings could assist policy-makers in designing and implementing programs and initiatives to create a conducive environment for the youth to imbibe positive values.

A Critical Appraisal of Integrity Clubs in Bhutan

“…The events are designed to promote students' focus on integrity and ethics in their everyday activities. They involve various activities, including awareness campaigns, engaging skits, storytelling, and career talks [7].…”

“…The number of Integrity Clubs has increased over time. There are 20 clubs in each district, and one school has voluntarily joined, with a total of 21 Integrity Clubs in the country [7].…”