Singaporeans are self-centered, shows survey

Only 15% rated others high on graciousness but 43% gave themselves high graciousness ratings.

In the third “The State of Graciousness in Singapore” survey, the Singapore Kindness Movement found a significant gap between Singaporeans’ self-perception on how they performed when it comes to graciousness versus their perception on how fellow citizens fared.

In addition, 88% felt they had done a kind act in the last six months, yet only 55% felt they had received one during the same period.

Dr William Wan, General Manager of SKM, said: “Singaporeans consistently give harsher assessments of fellow Singaporeans and are more forgiving towards themselves. The findings showed an unhealthy level of self-centeredness and self-absorption, and not being aware of and not appreciating the efforts of others.”

He said this is the attitude that they want to change. “If we are successful, we can look forward to graciousness on all fronts and not specific to any particular action or behaviour,” noted Dr Wan.

However, the survey showed Singaporeans are indifferent to improving their graciousness. 62% (621) agreed to the statement “It is not possible for Singapore to become a more gracious place due to the hectic and stressed lifestyle in Singapore” and only 38% (380) disagreed.

SKM is currently running a public education campaign to spread the message of graciousness on buses and trains, with the support from SMRT and SBS Transit. Large posters and stickers have been put up at four bus interchanges, six train stations, and 200 bus stop shelters, as well as in 72 trains and 204 buses to act as reminders to practice graciousness on public transport at all times. These messages will be up from April to September 2011.

Held in the first quarter of 2011 to track how Singaporeans fared on the social graciousness front, the survey saw 1,404 participants (1,001 citizens and permanent residents; 202 work permit and employment pass holders; and 201 tourists).