Multi-dimensional Model of Community Well-Being from a Public Service Delivery Perspective

Abstract

This study presents a conceptual approach to building a community well-being model that reflects community well-being theory. At the beginning of the research, the following question was considered – what factors influence citizen well-being in daily life at a community level, and can well-being be fostered by local governments for their citizenry? It was assumed that community is an appropriate level to realize well-being through public service delivery. Well-being has been used interchangeably with quality of life and social well-being to designate social development. Although Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been used to track development and progress, many researchers have discussed limitations of using GDP to measure individual and social progress. Alternative measurements include quality of life, well-being, happiness, and sustainability. Some also criticize these measurements for failing to express local administration and management for citizen well-being at the community level. From this perspective, I have investigated and presented a model for local government service delivery to foster citizen satisfaction and well-being outcomes. Based on what needs to be satisfied through public service delivery for community life, this study develops a multi-dimensional model of community well-being. This study assumes local government as the appropriate level to provide public service delivery to influence both community and individual well-being.