A Paper About the Influence of Philippines’ Unique Social Culture in Business

Abstract

The Philippines has a unique social culture that significantly impacts business practices. This culture is shaped by Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations, and has contributed to the development of strong family values, respect for elders, and a sense of community. Filipino families are close-knit and independent, with values such as family-centeredness, child-centricity, and large family size. Filipinos place a high value on the concept of "pakikisama" and seek solutions that benefit all parties. Respect for elders and hierarchy is deeply ingrained in Philippine culture, leading to a hierarchical business culture where authority and decision-making power are concentrated. Businesses can navigate this aspect of Philippine social culture by understanding the importance of hierarchy and respecting authority. The sense of community is another key aspect of Philippine social culture, with Filipinos having a strong sense of social responsibility and seeking consensus and cooperation over competition. Women in the Philippines make up 49.8% of the total 2022 population, with 90.3% being employed. Research on women entrepreneurs in the early 90s focused on competency, resiliency, empowerment, and support given to women entrepreneurs. However, there is still work to ensure equal opportunities in the workplace. Religion plays an important role in Philippine culture, with the majority of the population being Catholic. It plays a vital role in development initiatives that involve sustainability and holistic chance in the community and social environment. Businesses may prioritize ethical practices and values, such as honesty and integrity, in their operations. The growing youth population in the Philippines is becoming an important demographic for businesses, with the development of youth enterprise being a significant strategy for fostering economic participation among young people. Filipino Gen Z-ers have the most confidence in their tech savviness and are highly connected and digitally savvy, which can be leveraged by businesses to reach new customers and expand their market.