Proper Business Etiquette

Proper Business Etiquette

• Introductions

o Be authentic when meeting a Filipino for the first time.

o Don’t boast or wear flashy jewelry.

o To show respect “sir” or “Ma’am” should be used in conversation.

• Business Apparel

o Even in hot weather business attire should be modest and not too revealing Polo’s and casual dress slacks are acceptable.

o If in a Muslim part of the Philippines dress modestly, especially women.

• Chain of Command

o Important Business decisions are made as a group.

o Smaller decisions can be made directly from a supervisor or management.

Areas to Avoid

o Mindanao and Malay are Muslim Dominated areas and should be approached with extreme caution.

o Business Men should avoid going to clubs after work. “Foreigners spending their money in nightclubs are often associated with supporting the sex trade.

• Business Etiquette

o Foreigners should not make any attempts at humor concerning local politics or culture.

o Education is important to Filipinos, and respect is given based on educational achievements.

o Filipinos are not very punctual, so extra time should be given for meetings or deadlines.

Consideration of Audience Statement

When travel to the Philippines on business, there are certain cultural differences that will need to be observed. Business personnel need to know areas of the Philippines that should be approached with caution. When traveling to the Philippines on business, knowing the proper chain of command will also be useful. They should know about the proper way to introduce themselves, and how to better integrate into the Filipino society.