An evaluation of middle-income group housing in Kolkata, India

Purpose - This study aims to assess the satisfaction level of middle-income group (MIG) residents of government group housings of Kolkata, India. Further, a Composite Satisfaction Index (CSI) was also devised for assessing the satisfaction level. Design/methodology/approach - The satisfaction level was assessed in three domains – “within premises”, “at neighbourhood” and “with cost” – incurred and questionnaires were designed to conduct primary survey. Question on overall level of satisfaction “with location” was also included. All satisfaction responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale. Subsequently, a CSI – a weighted average of satisfaction for attribute “with location” and “with cost” – was devised. The weights were assigned through expert opinion survey using Delphi technique. Data being ordinal in nature, a two-step approach was adopted – initially through exploratory factor analysis, contributing attributes were identified and later a Generalised Ordered Logit Model was fitted in STATA. “Monetary benefits” were calculated as a difference of actual expenditure incurred from recommended expenditure towards regular transportation and housing. Mean satisfaction scores for attributes “with cost” were validated with “monetary benefits”. Findings - Attribute “with cost” contributed significantly towards the overall level of satisfaction “with location”. The computed CSI values also comply with the findings, indicating the reliability of the index in similar contexts. The government group housing model was successful in its outreach towards the intended beneficiaries. Practical implications - The CSI devised will help the MIG in identifying appropriate residential housing locations and enable policymakers in reviewing group housings. Originality/value - Residential satisfaction studies were not specific to MIG residents considering attribute “with cost”. Hence, this study contributed to the existing knowledge in this specific context.