Filipino Value System and Their

Influence in Business Practices

Filipino value system is characterized as an
effect of one's own culture by the way people
live their lives. This refers to the collection of
values or the structure of values that majority of
Filipinos have traditionally kept in their lives as
important as: common beliefs, moral
principles, ethical standards, etiquette, and
cultural and personal values that their society
encouraged them to have.
1. Bahala na

• Bahala was derived from the word Bathala, who 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.

• In business, you cannot just put its life in the hands of fate.
Everything has to be carefully studied or planned; otherwise,
all of your efforts will go down the drain.
2. Utang na loob

• Gratitude or utang na loob is typically embedded in

the Filipino culture. 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 lose interest shortly
after it begins, or lack of follow- up.

• Same thing could happen in business. The

enthusiasm is there at the startart of the venture but
since it is not one's inclination, then he/she gradually
loses his/her interest.
4. Padrino system (palakasan/patronage system)

• 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.

• Businessmen can quickly get business deals using

padrino system if the padrino poses as go-between
presenting and vouching his character to close the deal.
5. Amor propio / self-respect

• 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 insult or offending situation is
included.

• In business, Filipino customers are normally sensitive to

hear a No for an answer, hence, one will get a Yes, but
might be disappointed afterwards.
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 the task.

• In business, mañana habit could lead to less efficient

workforce. It could also lead to losing customers in case one
is into 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 which when translated into

English means daintiness. It is defined as acting in a
manner which is refined or being 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

• Shame or hiya is a common Filipino value. This is a

sense of social propriety and it conforms with
established cultural standards. Filipinos feel they
ought to live up to agreed inoral 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 they lose
their self-esteem.
9. Pakikisama/pakikipagkapwa-tao

• Another Filipino characteristic is loyalty, or

pakikisama. That is a shared
understanding of the other person's
personality and consciousness. It is
treating others as equal, and with respect
and integrity.
10. Family orientation

• Philippines is recognized as a family-centered country. The

Filipinos consider their family as an important social structure
which they have to look after. They put premium on their family's
safety and unity. The practice of nepotism is evident (members of
the same family employed in the same enterprise). It is the
closeness of the Filipino families that makes them the model of
most business organizations.

• 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 which means loyal

customers. Here, there is a customer-
supplier relationship that is built. Normally,
the supplier would give discounts, good
quality products or service, or even "credit
line" once the trust is earned.
12. Bayanihan/team spirit
• The bayanihan is a Filipino term which 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.

13. Palabra De Honor

• Palabra de honor needs a sense of truthfulness and honesty in

every Filipino. We have to respect our words by upholding our
promises, even without any legal document.
• 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,tuations, or pain bravely or without fear.
15. Pakikipagsapalaranlaran

• Pakikipagsapalaran or being venturous is the ability of a

person to take risks, even if th ey are prone to a potential
loss. For example, even without an experience in selling, one
ventured into an online business this time of pandemic by just
following some ideas coming from his/her friends.

16. Frugality/pagtitipid

• This is known as economical management of resources,

being careful in spending, and avoiding unnecessary
expenses.
• For a small business, frugality is really important.
One will save his/her money effectively by living
frugally and by managing his/her spending. When
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.