Book 1

This book studies and compares quality of life in 29 countries/societies in Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Korea(South), Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. We utilize the AsiaBarometer Surveys conducted annually from 2003 through 2008. We focus on the notion of subjective quality of life and conceptualize it as two levels, global and domain. After we explain about the AsiaBarometer Survey Project, we explore current country profile, demographics, lifestyles, value priorities, specific life domain assessment and overall quality of life. We then estimate the independent effects of demographics, lifestyles, value priorities, life domain assessment on the overall quality of life within each society. As well as comparing the results between nations, we look for key generalized characteristics of life quality for the entire and sub-regions of Asia.


Book 10

This book provides insightful observations and analyses of Asian citizens' behaviour associated with requests to get a permit in conditions typically characterized by bureaucratic callousness. Using the AsiaBarometer Survey data on quality of life, it studies various types of behaviour using the multi-level regression models for 32 countries. In doing so, the book provides insights into how these societies cope with the state's bureaucratism using Albert Hirschman's concepts of Exit, Voice and Loyalty. Arguments are then juxtaposed with issues such as rampant corruption, government regulatory principles and measures, and calls by international organisations and non-governmental groups for business firms to be more strictly bound. Given the generally receding tide of democracy in Asian societies, this book will be of interest to academics, business, mass media and other professionals.