Filipino Values System and Their Influence on Business Practices

1. Bahala Na
Bahala was derived from the word Bathala, which was worshipped by the Filipinos during the pre-
Spanish period. This belief in putting life in the hands of God may be a symbol of how devout
Filipinos can be. They just leave everything to God, including their problems and their sufferings.
They are fatalistic, putting their lives in the hands of fate.

According to Lagmay (1977, as cited in Pe-Pua et al., 2000), bahala na is determination and risk-
taking. He said that when Filipinos say “bahala na”, they are ready to face every difficult situation
and are determined to achieve their goals or objectives.

In business, you cannot just put your life in the hands of fate. Everything must be carefully studied
or planned; otherwise, all your efforts will go down the drain.

2. Utang na Loob
One should not forget to consider the good acts others may have done particularly in times of great
need. Many times, this debt of appreciation is violated by others who have served us good. With
this system, people are forced to do something in exchange for favors that others did.

Business is affected by this so-called utang na loob especially if the businessman has faced ethical
issues.

3. Ningas-cogon
Ningas cogon means the swift burning of cogon, which connotes the eagerness of the Filipinos just
at the beginning, but then rapidly losing interest shortly after it begins, or lack of follow-up.

The same thing could happen in business. The enthusiasm is there at the start of the venture but
since it is not one’s inclination, then he/she gradually loses his/her interest.

4. Padrino System
The Padrino system, or patronage in Filipino culture and politics, is the system of value in which
one gets support, endorsement, or political appointment through family affiliation (nepotism) or
friendship (cronyism), as opposed to one's worth. Meaning, the owner or manager hires friends or
relatives regardless of their qualifications. This could cause conflict inside the enterprise and
eventually could also be the reason for losing more qualified employees or workers. This system in
the Philippines is the root cause of numerous scandals and corruption.

Businessmen can quickly get business deals using the padrino system if the padrino poses as a go-
between presenting and vouching his character to close the deal.
5. Amor Propio
Amor Propio is a Spanish term meaning caring for oneself, or self-love. It is a feeling of self-esteem
or self-respect that prevents a person from swallowing his or her pride. Sensitivity to personal insults
or offending situations is included.

In business, Filipino customers are normally sensitive to hearing a No for an answer, hence, one will
get a Yes but might be disappointed afterward.

6. Mañana Habit
The Spanish word mañana means tomorrow or the future. It is also known in English as
procrastination and as mamaya na in Filipino. It might just as well mean putting off something until
another time. This habit has made Filipinos less efficient and less energetic in doing tasks.

In business, mañana habit could lead to a less efficient workforce. It could also lead to losing
customers in case one is in the delivery business. When he/she always postpones doing something,
his/her loads of work could pile up and that could give him/her (and his/her co-workers) too much
stress.

7. Delicadeza
Delicadeza is a Spanish term that when translated into English means daintiness. It is defined as
acting in a manner that is refined or delicate in taste. Often, it may mean good decorum or absolute
obedience to what is right, legal, or ethical. Perhaps it can be better understood by saying walang
delicadeza or makapal ang mukha (thick faced) for those who do not have it.

In business, it is best to do what is right, what is legal, and what is ethical. After all, goodwill attracts
good vibes.

8. Hiya
This is a sense of social propriety, and it conforms with established cultural standards. Filipinos feel
they ought to live up to agreed moral expectations and if they fail to do so, they add dishonor not
just to themselves, but also to their families. If anyone is publicly humiliated, insulted, or fails to
meet standards, they may feel ashamed and lose their self-esteem.

Shame or hiya also happens in business. For example, one is selling rice and other consumables.
Now here comes his/her close friend requesting for one sack of rice to be paid at the end of that
month. On the due date, it is the seller who is even ashamed to remind his/her close friend of the
latter’s obligation.

9. Pakikisama
This is a shared understanding of the other person's personality and consciousness. It is treating
others as equal and with respect and integrity.
 In business, for example, Pedro is a sole proprietor. His cousin approached him and was trying to
borrow P5,000 for an emergency reason. Because he had no personal cash at that time, out of
pakikisama, he got the amount of P5,000 from his business collection and lent it to his cousin.

10. Family Orientation

The Filipinos consider their family as an important social structure that they must look after. They
put a premium on their family's safety and unity. The practice of nepotism is evident (members of
the same family employed in the same enterprise).

However, in business, it is said that it is not advantageous to hire relatives because one cannot just
easily fire them even though he/she is dissatisfied with their work performance.

11. Suki System

Suki is a Tagalog term that means loyal customers. Here, there is a customer-supplier relationship
that is built. Normally, the supplier would give discounts, good quality products or services, or even
a “credit line” once the trust is earned.

12. Bayanihan
The Bayanihan is a Filipino term that originated from the word bayan meaning town or community.
Later on, Bayanihan meant "being a bayan" and is being used to refer to a spirit of unity within a
group, or individual cooperation and joint efforts.

The adage "no man is an island" is even more true, and even more critical in the business world –
where interactions and the willingness (or unwillingness) to collaborate with others will make or
break a business. It is in Bayanihan where one's local environment is a vital tool. And that it will help
his/her people and his/her company get ahead by harnessing the strength of his/her own people.

13. Palabra de Honor

Palabra de Honor is a Spanish word meaning "Word of Honor". This is an individual's unwritten
promise to someone to do or not to do something.

In business, for example, when one promised his/her employees of a salary increase after six
months of working in his/her enterprise, then he/she should really give them an increase when they
have reached six months.

14. Lakas ng Loob

Courage or lakas ng loob is the strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to meet challenges,
situations, or pain bravely or without fear.

For example, in one’s desire to expand his/her business, he/she got a loan from a commercial bank
payable in five years.
15. Pakikipagsapalaran
Pakikipagsapalaran or being venturous is the ability of a person to take risks, even if they are prone
to a potential loss.

For example, even without an experience in selling, one ventured into an online business during this
time of pandemic by just following some ideas coming from his/her friends.

16. Frugality
This is known as the economic management of resources, being careful in spending, and avoiding
unnecessary expenses.

For a small business, frugality is important. One will save his/her money effectively by living frugally
and by managing his/her spending. When a business starts to succeed, there is a tendency to
overspend so it is an advantage if he/she knows how to control his/her expenses.