Cultural Connections > Work Practices


Compared with most Australians, Filipinos may be reluctant to offer comments or air their point of view until it is made easy for them to do so. This can be done either by some intermediary providing the opportunity or whatever you can do yourself to make it easy to coax out of them what the problem or objection is, or their knowledge of a better way of doing something which your Filipino colleague did not want to mention through fear that you would lose face.

Filipino staff have a marvellous way of organising appointments with very senior government officials and business people.

These contacts can be cultivated by you but the Filipino staff is able to make the initial arrangements quickly and easily.

Information may be presented in writing at a meeting but in general the procedures followed would be those you would follow in Australia.

Feed back on meetings is appreciated and a written response to say thank you for the meeting and a confirmation of the outcome is advisable.

In business dealings Filipinos have more of the American approach of hard selling and pitching high rather than the British manner of under statement or taking things for granted.

At meetings presentations and glossy handouts will be expected. You will certainly encounter plenty of presentations and stylish handouts Go in to meetings ready to sell, to explain and to ask, don't hang back

Be well prepared for meetings with access to a lot of information. This is where the glossy handouts are very useful.

In meetings with government agencies there are different expectations. It is useful to bring information and background documents which you can leave and refer to later in discussions or meetings.

Filipinos like to mix business with pleasure. You have to be ready for your meeting to turn into a social event and the social event to turn into a series of performances.

Rehearse the speech of thanks and appreciation for the efforts of others and make sure you have a song, whether it is a kareoke song or unaccompanied, when it is your turn.

If you have a two day conference, the evening of the first day will involve a social gathering. It will include dinner followed by a concert and each area or person is expected to put on a performance.

It is important that you participate in these events You gain much in terms of acceptance and support if you sing your song or do your tap dance. Have a song ready and be able to sing it in front of the group.

Everyone is expected to participate. Foreign Minister Gareth Evans on a visit to the Philippines was required to sing at the formal dinner which was put on for visiting foreign dignitaries.

Compared to most of the people of South East Asia, Filipinos are gregarious and fun loving. They love music and show business and performances. Whatever humour and performing ability a person can summon up is the best possible way to be accepted and establish friendships.

Compared to the average Australian the average Filipino is quite musically talented. They tend to be both good dancers and singers.

In social evenings put your formality aside. Put your title and your position aside. They are left outside the door and this will also be the case with the Filipinos.

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Useful Link:
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Australia
Australia Philippines Business Council (while in Australia)
Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (while in Philippines)

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