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Do governance factors matter for happiness in the MENA region?

Author

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  • Hassan Gholipour Fereidouni
  • Youhanna Najdi
  • Reza Ekhtiari Amiri

Abstract

Purpose - – Unhappiness has been recognized as one of the main factors that cause political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in recent years. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of governance matters on happiness in the MENA region while controlling for other relevant determinants. Design/methodology/approach - – The paper applies panel random effects regression analyses by using data from 14 MENA countries over the period of 2009-2011. Findings - – The empirical results show that higher level of political stability and absence of violence, government effectiveness and rule of law significantly increase happiness in the region. Furthermore, the paper finds that voice and accountability, regulatory quality and control of corruption variables have positive relationship with happiness but are not significant. Originality/value - – Most studies in this area cover developed countries. Since findings for developed countries might not be directly transferable to emerging economies such as MENA countries, therefore, more work is necessary to obtain a clearer picture of the political determinants of happiness in this region.

Suggested Citation

  • Hassan Gholipour Fereidouni & Youhanna Najdi & Reza Ekhtiari Amiri, 2013. "Do governance factors matter for happiness in the MENA region?," International Journal of Social Economics, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 40(12), pages 1028-1040, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:ijsepp:v:40:y:2013:i:12:p:1028-1040
    DOI: 10.1108/IJSE-11-2012-0208
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Estela Núñez-Barriopedro & Rafael Ravina-Ripoll & Eduardo Ahumada-Tello, 2020. "Happiness perception in Spain, a SEM approach to evidence from the sociological research center," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 54(3), pages 761-779, June.
    2. David A. Griffith & Hannah S. Lee & Goksel Yalcinkaya, 2023. "Understanding the relationship between advertising spending and happiness at the country level," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(1), pages 128-150, February.
    3. Andrey V. Aistov & Elvina Mukhametova, 2015. "Determinants Of Corruption Perceptions: Transitional Vs. Developed Economies," HSE Working papers WP BRP 89/EC/2015, National Research University Higher School of Economics.
    4. Efstratia Arampatzi & Martijn Burger & Elena Ianchovichina & Tina Röhricht & Ruut Veenhoven, 2018. "Unhappy Development: Dissatisfaction With Life on the Eve of the Arab Spring," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 64(s1), pages 80-113, October.
    5. Gregor Gonza & Anže Burger, 2017. "Subjective Well-Being During the 2008 Economic Crisis: Identification of Mediating and Moderating Factors," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 18(6), pages 1763-1797, December.

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