ABM 307: Filipino Values

• Filipino values are the subject of ABM 307: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

Objectives

• Trace the roots of Filipino values
• Distinguish between morally acceptable Filipino values
• Enumerate Filipino values at work

Introduction

• Filipino values can be both good and bad
• The practice of these values depends on the context of use

Values

• Values are principles or standards of behavior taken individually or as a group
• Justice can be objective if upheld by everyone, subjective when valued by an individual, its meaning varies by context

Roots of Filipino Values

• Filipino values stem from Filipino culture
• Filipino values take a universal stance but are distinctly Filipino; "hindi labis, hindi kulang, katamtaman lang" equates to Greek moderation ("meden agan")
• Filipino values are shared by other cultures, especially in Asia, but are ranked differently
• Pakikisama, kabayanihan, and pagsasarili have distinct meanings based on nationalistic experiences
• Bahala na can be negative if decisions are made without planning or if helpless, but positive for entrepreneurs relying on effort and divine guidance
• Filipino values have evolved, like the spirit of bayanihan seen during Typhoon Yolanda

Positive Filipino Traits

• There are many admirable Filipino values, despite some negative traits.
• Filipinos are warm and excellent hosts, always insisting on offering guests food and making them feel welcome
• Filipinos show respect to elders by saying "po" or "opo", placing hands on their foreheads, and bowing to those in high positions
• Filipinos maintain strong family ties, celebrating occasions and practicing religion, particularly Catholicism, within the family
• Filipinos are generous, helpful, and hardworking, striving to earn a living and seeking extra income
• Filipinos are loving, caring, sweet, and expressive, showing affection through gestures and expressions

Negative Filipino Traits

• Fatalism involves surrendering to fate, believing that events are predetermined and unchangeable
• Crab mentality involves hindering the success of others for personal gain, especially in competitive environments
• Complacency is indifference to issues that don't directly affect them ("walang pakialam" attitude)
• Shame or Hiya involves conforming to expectations to avoid gossip or ridicule
• "Don't Be Caught" attitude involves thinking it is okay to cheat if one is not caught
• Rationalization involves excusing wrong behavior by claiming it's human nature

Filipino Work Values

• Filipinos exhibit culture-based traits and behaviors at work
• Filipinos prioritize an orderly and comfortable work environment and maintaining clean and tidy spaces
• Strong family ties motivate Filipino workers, who balance work and family life to support their families
• Interpersonal relationships are key, with "utang na loob" (reciprocity) and "amor propio" (sense of honor) influencing interactions
• Filipinos show gratitude by returning favors and maintain pride and dignity
• Filipinos value "pakikisama" (getting along) and mingle well, though they remain competitive to a degree
• Material well-being is desired, with Filipinos seeking recognition, security, and economic gains, even if it means working abroad as OFWs
• Occupational excellence is pursued through creativity, innovation, and professionalism, with Filipinos exercising autonomy even with supervision
• Religiosity is practiced without conflicting with work, with Filipinos drawing strength from their faith in the predominantly Catholic country.