Philippines- Business Etiquette

More About Philippines

Business Etiquette in The Philippines

• Expressing anger, negativity or experiencing public

embarrassment, has negative consequences.

• Filipinos will try to remain calm and in control of their emotions at all times and avoid direct confrontation.
• When doing business in the Philippines, you should avoid causing embarrassment or offence
• Whenever possible and make an effort not to be too direct when communicating.

Eating

Working practices

• Always accept any offer of food or drink.

• Always follow the lead of your host and wait to be instructed where to sit.

• Office hours in the Philippines are usually from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
• Some businesses may be open for a short time on Saturday, but on the whole Saturday

and Sunday are non-working days.

• Send a handwritten thank you note to the hosts in the week following the dinner or party. It shows you have class.
• A fork and spoon are the typical eating utensils. Hold the fork in the left hand and use it to guide food to the spoon in your right hand.

Behavior

Meetings

• It's not uncommon to make arrangements as far as a month ahead of time.
• Avoid scheduling meetings the week before Easter.
• Always accept any offer of food or drink.
• It is important to remain for the period of social conversation at the end of the meeting.
• A handshake, with a welcoming smile, is the standard greeting.

Gifts

• Gifts are not opened when received
• When bringing edible gifts, stick to candy or fruits, bring anything other than that will be seen as an insult that you think the household is poor.
• Give the gift after a meeting, never before or during.

About Phillipines

• Located in South East Asia,The Philippines is an archipelago republic comprising of more than 7,000 islands
• Filipino and English are the official languages

Philippines

Similarities

Different

• Arrive in meetings on time
• A handshake is the common greeting
• Dress Conservatively in meetings

• Take Their time during meetings
• Decision making is slow
• Alway accept any food or drink

•Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.

•Feel free to refuse specific foods or drinks without offering an explanation.

• Communication is straitforward in meetings, using the fastest way to do business.

By Edgardo Martin

• More Than 90% of Filipinos are Christian

Capital: Manila

Sources

• http://traveltips.usatoday.com/business-etiquette-philippines-16184.html

• http://www.communicaid.com/access/pdf/library/culture/doing-business-in/Doing%20Business%20in%20the%20Philippines.pdf

• http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/philippines-country-profile.html

Communication

General Communication

Business Cards

• Business Cards should be offered first
• Present and recieve cards with both hands.
• Examine the card for a short moment than put it in your pocket.
• Some higher level executives only give business cards to those of similar rank.

Appearrance

• Business clothes should be conservative.
• Men should wear a dark coloured business suit.
• Women should wear a conservative suit, a skirt and blouse, or a dress. Could have bright coloures aslong as it's well tailored.
• Don't take off your jaket unless the most important individual does