Construction of an ethics-augmented human development index with a particular reference to the OIC member countries

It is widely recognised that the standard measure of human development, the Human Development Index [HDI] does not totally capture the rich content of the human development concept, and, therefore, a more adequate measure of human development is needed. This is what this study sets out to do – to introduce an ethics-augmented human development index [E-HDI] as a new concept representing a new means of conceptualising social change and development for all countries generally and the OIC member countries in particular. It is envisaged to be of practical use to policy-makers in the OIC member countries, as well as the bilateral and international development agencies. Just as the HDI has managed to shift discussions beyond GNP, the E-HDI is expected to inject ethical concerns more explicitly into policy-making in the contexts in which the Human Development Reports are widely used. The E-HDI is expected to serve as an alternative focal point to both the traditional concentration on GNP and other measures of economic development like the HDI.