Title: The economic importance of social graciousness index: a systemic approach to Singapore case

Authors: Nam C. Nguyen; Kwamina E. Banson; Ockie J.H. Bosch; Thanh V. Nguyen; Lyon Tan; Gregory Goh; Olivia Lim; Zahariah Jupary

Addresses: Malik Institute, Geltenwilenstrasse 16, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland; Systems Design and Complexity Management Business School, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; SysPrac Pty Ltd, 24 Rawson Penfold Drive, Rosslyn Park, SA 5072, Australia ' Systems Design and Complexity Management Business School, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Department of Technology Transfer Centre (TTC), Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P.O. Box LG80, Legon-Accra, Ghana ' Systems Design and Complexity Management Business School, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Systemic Excellence Group, Marienstraße 20, 10117 Berlin, Germany; SysPrac Pty Ltd, 24 Rawson Penfold Drive, Rosslyn Park, SA 5072, Australia ' Ministry of Public Security, 44 Yet Kieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi, Vietnam ' The University of Adelaide, Ngee Ann Campus, Singapore ' The University of Adelaide, Ngee Ann Campus, Singapore ' The University of Adelaide, Ngee Ann Campus, Singapore ' The University of Adelaide, Ngee Ann Campus, Singapore

Abstract: In light of numerous corporate scandals, the concepts of 'virtues of kindness', graciousness and considerations have sprung up and are important facets for many nations and the business world. Singapore efforts to improve its social graciousness have had limited success. This research used systems thinking approach and a systems-based evolutionary learning laboratory (ELLab) framework to identify and effectively address complex graciousness issues affecting the socialisation in Singapore. Results identified curriculum planning as a key leverage point in dealing with the social challenges and increasing the social graciousness index in Singapore. Based on the models, family upbringing plays a vital role in early childhood development where a sense of guilt, and the ability to distinguish between good and bad is built. Complexity is often a concept that seems too hard to deal with, but this research has shown that using systems thinking tools to analyse social complexity has considerable merit.

Keywords: courtesy; modelling; family upbringing; systems thinking; social challenges; corporate social responsibility; CSR; economic importance; social graciousness index; Singapore; kindness; evolutionary learning laboratory; socialisation; curriculum planning; early childhood; social complexity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMABS.2016.080228

International Journal of Markets and Business Systems, 2016 Vol.2 No.2, pp.102 - 125

Received: 09 Mar 2016
Accepted: 11 May 2016

Published online: 08 Nov 2016 *

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