Hofstede insights attributes such a low UA score for Singapore to its high-Power Distance Index* (PDI) [74].

PDI refers to a society’s acceptance of uneven distribution of power.

But there are countries like India and China, who score higher on PDI as compared to Singapore yet score higher on UA.

(Credit: Hofstede insights)

While there are nations that accept uneven power structures, they may not proportionately trust the intentions and actions of these more ‘powerful’ agencies when it comes to community welfare.

So how does Singapore do things differently?

Let’s focus on how the Singapore Govt. has taken some significant steps to reduce fears amongst the population times of uncertainty.

• Signalling an intent of being a step ahead: Singapore has been lauded for its early introduction of travel sanctions and widespread testing. None of the decisions seemed like a knee-jerk reaction to the pandemic and keeping the panic in check through an assurance of more bandwidth.
• Coining a common social narrative: the hashtag #SGUNITED was introduced as a shorthand to reflect the desired sentimental response of the nation. It was a smart move address the expected social cracks that would begin to appear as we all went into the battle with the pandemic. Most government agencies have included this philosophy in their on going messaging.

• Singularity in actions: The PM is making regular addresses to the community on the current status and the steps being taken to manage the situation. There is avoidance of conflicting directions and hence streamlining of efforts.
• Killing speculations (Data for all): From contact tracing apps to case information, all the data is being shared in the public domain. It comes from a belief that a more informed public is also a more responsible one. Hence there is less scope for rumour mongering and fake news.