IITTI, an NGO specializing in soft skills accreditation, proposes augmenting the current economic framework by complementing GDP with a new metric: the World Civility Index (WCI). The WCI aims to capture overlooked aspects of human well-being, such as empathy, intercultural awareness, and social etiquette, which are essential for fostering thriving, equitable societies.

The project will involve comprehensive research into societal wellness to demonstrate the limitations of GDP as a sole measure of economic progress. This research will highlight the value of incorporating civility metrics to provide a more holistic understanding of societal health.

Research Report:

Project Objectives

   1. Highlight GDP's Deficiencies:

       - Identify areas where GDP fails to reflect societal well-being, such as mental health, interpersonal trust, and social cohesion.

   2. Build a Case for WCI:

       - Develop evidence-based arguments for integrating civility metrics as a complementary standard to GDP.

   3. Application of Economic Principles:

       - Provide students and researchers with opportunities to apply economic theories, market analysis, and societal impact assessments in the context of the WCI paradigm.

Key Activities

   - Conducting economic trend analyses to identify gaps in current measurement frameworks.

   - Analyzing historical societal structures to draw parallels between economic health and social well-being.

   - Proposing innovative strategies to refine and implement the WCI framework in alignment with IITTI’s goals.

Suggestions for Additional Research Areas

To strengthen the case for WCI, consider exploring the following:

   1. Comparative Studies:

       - Compare countries with high GDP but low social cohesion or happiness levels (e.g., the U.S.) against countries with moderate GDP but strong societal well-being (e.g., Nordic nations).

   2. Impact of Civility on Economic Growth:

       - Research how improved workplace civility and interpersonal relationships can increase productivity, reduce employee turnover, and enhance overall economic performance.

   3. Behavioral Economics:

       - Examine how civility metrics influence consumer behavior, trust in institutions, and investment decisions.

   4. Correlation Between Social Well-Being and Public Health:

       - Study how enhanced civility and empathy contribute to reduced healthcare costs and improved community resilience.

   5. Civility Index and Global Trade:

       - Investigate whether higher civility scores correlate with stronger trade relationships and better diplomatic ties.

Presentation to IITTI's Management Team:

Objective: Summarize research findings, evaluations, and strategic recommendations in a clear and compelling presentation to IITTI's management.

Tasks:

• Create a visual presentation that highlights key insights, supported by data and examples.
• Outline key arguments both for and against the addition of a global measurement using WCI.
• Prepare to address potential questions or concerns from the management team, offering evidence-based responses.
• Ensure the presentation is aligned with IITTI’s brand tone and values.