BUSINESS ETHICS

AND SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
Lesson: Filipino Value Systems in Business

Filipino value system is defined by the way of people live their family as an influence of
one's culture. It refers to the set of values or the value system that a majority of the Filipino have
historically held important in their lives. the Philippine value system includes their own unique
collection of consistent ideologies, moral codes, ethical practices, etiquette, and cultural and
personal values that are encouraged by their society.

DIFFERENT VALUE SYSTEM

BAHALA NA

Trust in God or the concept of Bahala na is a principle used when a person does
not know what to accomplish or is too slothful to do anything at all. This belief to put fate
in God's hands may be a sign of how religious Filipinos may be. Further, it may show
that the Filipinos are free-spirited and that they put their life in fate's hand.

UTANG NA LOOB

 Gratitude or utang na loob is very fashionable Filipino characteristic. One does not
fail to remember the fine actions that others may have done particularly at times of
great need.
 This debt of gratitude is at times abused by those who have done well to others.
 With this system people are forced to do something in exchange for what others do in
favor.

NINGAS COGON
 Ningas is a noun which means flame, blaze or combustion, while cogon is a grass
which can be easily burned with its presentation.
 Ningas cogon means the fast burning of cogon, which signifies Filipinos' way of
eagerness only at the beginning but then quickly losing enthusiasm soon afte to
continue it, or the lack of follow-up.
PADRINO SYSTEM
 Padrino system, or patronage in the Filipino culture and politics is the value system
where one gets support, endorsement, or political appointment through family
affiliation (nepotism) or friendship (cronyism), as against to one's worth.
 The Padrino system in the Philippines has been the root cause of many controversies
and corruption.

AMOR PROPIO/SELF-RESPECT

 Amor Propio is Spanish word which means self-love. It is a sense of self-esteem or

self-respect that stops a person from swallowing his pride. It includes sensitivity to
personal insult or offends.
 Using the padrino system can get a businessmen easily started if the padrion would
stand as go between for introducing and vouching his character in order to get the
business deal.

MAÑANA HABIT
 The word mañana means tomorrow or specified future time. It is also known as
procrastination in plain English and mamaya na in Filipino.
 It could also means putting something off until another time. This habit has made
Filipinos become lazier and less efficient in doing task.

DELICADEZA
 Delicadeza is a Spanish term which means daintiness when translated in English. It is
defined as an act of being refined or delicate in tastes or manners.
 It could also mean proper decorum or strict adherence to what's right, moral or
ethical. Perhaps it can be better understood by saying that those who don't have it
meaning walang delicadeza or makapal ang mukha or thick-faced.

HIYA
Shame or hiya is a very common Filipino value. It is a sense of social propriety
and conforming to societal norms of behavior. Filipino believe they must live up to the
accepted standards of behavior and if they fail to do so they bring dishonor not only upon
themselves, but also upon their family. If someone is publicly embarrassed, criticized, or
does not live up to expectations, they feel shame and lose and self-esteem.

PAKIKISAMA/PAKIKIPAGKAPWA-TAO
  Loyalty or pakikisama is another Filipino value. This is shared sense of identity and
consciousness of the other person. It is treating others with the respect and dignity as
an equal and not someone below individual.
 Basically, in business it is a practical translation of one's pakikipagkapwa-tao because
the intention is to offer things and services of value to others to get better their
standards of living.

FAMILY ORIENTATION

 The Philippines is known to be a family centered nation. The Filipinos recognize their
family as an important social structure that one must take care of. They give
importance to the safety and unity of one's family. The Filipino family is so intact that
it is common for members of the same family work for the same company.
 The family is always of vital importance in the Philippines. Not surprisingly, most
business organizations have the Filipino family as their model.