Survey finds improvement in graciousness among neighbours

More are open to resolving disputes directly even as many report barriers to interaction

- Cheryl Tan

Most respondents in the latest Graciousness Survey were satisfied with their relationship with neighbours, but the vast majority, or 83 per cent, said they faced barriers to interacting with them.

Reasons include coming home at different times, closed doors and not knowing what to say to each other - a common sentiment among younger people - according to survey results that were released on Sept 21.

The Graciousness Survey is conducted annually by the Singapore Kindness Movement to track graciousness and neighbourliness in Singapore.

The latest survey was conducted in January 2024 and involved a representative sample of 1,000 Singaporeans and permanent residents.

There has been an improvement in graciousness in online spaces over the last six months, although respondents feel that more education on gracious online behaviour is still needed, the survey found.

Neighbours have been more willing to offer and accept small acts of help and reduce unintentional noise, and are more likely to inform one another of noise-producing activities ahead of time.

More residents are also open to resolving issues directly with their neighbours, rather than resorting to seeking assistance through official avenues.

These improvements come as the Government on Aug 12 announced it would be setting up a unit to resolve serious neighbourly disputes related to noise or hoarding.