Singapore becoming more gracious: Study

Singapore is becoming a more gracious country as it sees a continual rise on the Graciousness Index over the past year, said the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) on Tuesday.

SKM added that the 6-point rise from 55 in 2014 to 61 in 2015 is led by a growing sense of positive perceptions about kindness and graciousness in the country.

From Dec 2014 to Feb 2015, 1,850 people were asked to share their experiences and perceptions of graciousness in Singapore.

Respondents rated both themselves and others higher when it comes to being considerate, courteous and showing appreciation.

The study revealed that 44 per cent of respondents indicated that graciousness in Singapore had improved, compared to just 28 per cent last year.

Meanwhile, 84 per cent of respondents rated their own gracious behaviour as either good or excellent, and 69 per cent felt the same about overall Singapore society.

General Secretary of SKM Dr. William Wan believes that this is a promising sign.

He said: "If we as a nation continue this positive trend, then kindness and graciousness can become part of our norms and national identity."

In addition, 72 per cent of the respondents felt that the Government should be responsible for making Singapore a gracious place to live in, while 60 per cent felt they should share that responsibility.

They also felt that inculcating these positive values in children should be done both at home by parents (50 per cent) and in schools (48 per cent).

The Graciousness Index is an annual study commissioned by SKM to track experience and perceptions of kindness and graciousness in Singapore, as well as study attitudes towards various pertinent community issues.

For more information about the Graciousness Index 2015, visit http://kindness.sg

minlee@sph.com.sg