Typical Filipino (XLVII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XLVII): Renewing family ties - Erneuern der Verwandschaftsbande

 

The gathering of the entire family always offers opportunities to renew family ties. For many years I have been used to living together with many family members in different houses on a large "compound". I enjoy this very much.

Weddings, confirmations and baptisms expand the family group through ceremonies. Friendship and togetherness are now renewed and confirmed.

To look at the entire Philippines: Poorer relatives and COMPADRES from the smallest BARRIOS come to town to pay visits, serve guests or help in the kitchen of better-off relatives. This is in recognition of their UTANG NA LOOB for favors shown or promised help.

Sometimes individual families even plunge into debt in order to offer a lavish feast. because it would cause HIYA to provide just a small snack. The custom of giving visitors some food from the holiday table also shows the spirit of sharing.

The Filipino organism awakens to new life - nourished by the celebrations, ceremonies and the gathering of the family.

+++

Die Zusammenkunft der ganzen Familie bietet immer wieder Gelegenheiten, Verwandschaftsbande zu erneuern. Ich bin es seit vielen Jahren gewohnt, mit vielen Familienmitglieder in verschiedenen Häusern auf einem großen "Compound" zusammen zu leben. Ich genieße das sehr.

Hochzeiten, Firmungen und Taufen erweitern durch Zeremonien die Verwandschaftsgruppe. Freundschaft und Zusammensein werden nun erneuert und bestätigt.

Um auf die gesamten Philippinen zu blicken: Ärmere Verwandte und COMPADRES aus kleinsten  BARRIOS kommen in die Stadt, um Besuche abzustatten, die Gäste zu bedienen oder in der Küche bessergestellter Verwandter zu helfen. Dies als Anerkennung ihrer UTANG NA LOOB für erwiesene Gefälligkeiten oder versprochene Hilfe.

Bisweilen stürzen sich einzelne Familien gar in Schulden, um ein üppiges Festmahl anzubieten,. denn es würde HIYA verursachen, nur einen kleinen Imbiß bereitzustellen. Der Brauch, Besuchern etwas Essen vom Festtagstisch mit auf den Weg zu geben, zeugt ebenfalls vom Geist des Teilens.

Der philippinische Organismus erwacht zu neuem Leben - genährt durch die Festlichkeiten, Zeremonien und die Zusammenkunft der Familie.

Typical Filipino (XLVI) - Typisch Philippinisch (XLVI): The Mediator - Der Vermittler

 The Mediator - Der Vermittler

Conflict situations that require openness should - if possible - be avoided or handled extremely tactfully, on the other hand HIYA and AMOR-PROPIO come into play. In such cases, a mediator is brought in to smooth things over. A mediator makes it possible to express and clarify the things that arouse the other person, and the person addressed by the mediator can feel free enough to reject a request, contradict accusations or explain their own attitude without the AMOR-PROPIO of the threatening others, which would be the case in a face-to-face discussion.

For example, even the simple request for a job is fraught with the uncertainties of HIYA and AMOR-PROPIO. Because the judgment that the applicant is not qualified enough may violate his AMOR-PROPIO and cause HIYA because he allowed himself to apply for this position. The rejection puts both the applicant and the employer in an embarrassing position. So a third person steps in to submit the request and give the employer the chance to sensitively say NO. Rejection can also be received with dignity if it is delivered by an intermediary.

Western businessmen working with Filipino colleagues or subordinates should be aware that HIYA and AMOR-PROPIO provide the basis for many disputes. In his book aimed at managers on understanding Filipino values, Thomas D. Andres writes: "Filipinos have a strong sense of human dignity. Dignity and honor mean everything to them, so a violation, whether actual or perceived, is an attack on your own person. You respect other people, but they must show you the same respect.

+++

Konfliktsituationen, die Offenheit verlangen, sind -wenn es geht- zu vermeiden oder äußerst taktvoll zu handhaben, andererseits HIYA und AMOR-PROPIO in Spiel kommen. In solchen Fällen wird ein Vermittler eingeschaltet, um die Wogen zu glätten. Ein Vermittler ermoglicht es, die Dinge auszusprechen und zu klären, die den anderen erregen , und die vom Vermittler angesprochene Person kann sich so frei genug fühlen, ein Anliegen abzulehnen, Beschuldigungen zu widersprechen oder die eigene Einstellung zu erklären, ohne das AMOR-PROPIO des anderen zu bedrohen, was bei einer Aussprache von Angesicht zu Angesicht der Fall wäre.

So ist zum Beispiel selbst die einfache Anfrage nach einer Arbeitsstelle mit den Unwägsamkeiten von HIYA und AMOR-PROPIO befrachtet. Denn das Urteil, der Bewerber sei nicht qualifiziert genug, mag dessen AMOR-PROPIO verletzen und HIYA verursachen, weil er sich erlaubt hat, sich um diese Stelle zu bewerben. Die Ablehnung versetzt den Bewerber als auch den Arbeitgeber in eine peinliche Lage. Also tritt eine dritte Person auf den Plan, um as Gesuch zu übermitteln und dem Arbeitgeber die Chance zu geben, feinfühlig NEIN zu sagen. Auch die Ablehnung kann mit Würde aufgenommen werden, wenn ein Mittelsmanns sie überbringt.

Westliche Geschäftsleute, die mit philippinischen Kollegen oder Untergebenen zusammenarbeiten, sollten sich bewußt sein, daß HIYA und AMOR-PROPIO den Boden für vielerlei Zwistigkeiten bereitstehen. In seinem an Manager gerichteten Buch über das Verständnis von philippinischen Werten schreibt Thomas D. Andres: "Filipinos verfügen über einen ausgeprägten Sinn für die menschliche Würde. Würde und Ehre bedeutet ihnen alles, so daß eine Verletzung, egal tatsächlich oder nur als solche empfunden, einen Angriff auf die eigene Person darstellt. Sie respektieren andere Menschen, die ihnen aber die gleiche Achtung entgegenbringen müssen. 

How "Hiya" Can Make or Break Your Business in the Philippines

The Philippines is geographically and culturally unique. Its placement between the Pacific and Indian Oceans make it perfect for shipping. This has led to major cultural blending. The Philippines has had its share of influences, including Spanish and American. As a result, the Philippine population is one of the most distinct in the Asia-Pacific region.

Some traits and attitudes of Filipinos share that same complexity. It’s important to understand the value system and communication style when visiting the archipelago nation. Doing so will verse you in the regional culture, and make travel and small business dealings much easier.

It’s important to understand the value system and communication style when visiting the archipelago nation.

The Philippine trait hiya can pose a particular challenge to visitors unaware of the local culture. We want to help broaden the scope of your small business, and international dealings are a sure-fire way to do that. With that in mind, we’re going to help you understand Philippine hiya and how it can make or break your business dealings. Whether you’re looking for a supplier or just taking in the sights, learning about Philippine culture is crucial.

What is Hiya?

In Philippine culture, hiya is generally defined and translated to mean “shyness” or “shame.” Hiya is also related to “pride” and is connected to self-esteem or self-image. It occurs in many instances, such as not being able to pay a bill, provide for one’s family, or being generally unreliable. The feeling is akin to embarrassment, and is avoided at all costs.

Yet, the fear of this form of hiya may be just as important as its actual occurrence. If a person feels slighted, it may be considered a feeling of hiya, even though it’s only perceived. For example, bringing a gift of food to a business lunch or dinner can be viewed as a slight against the host, as if they were unable to provide for their guests. This is also referred to as “losing face,” or losing respectability among peers. This form of hiya may be the most commonly known, and most feared form.

In Philippine culture, hiya is generally defined and translated to mean 'shyness' or 'shame.'

So, what does hiya have to do with small businesses and international trade?

Putting your potential partners into such a situation will greatly affect your success. This will all depend on the situation, but a good method is to avoid anything that may imply your Philippine partner is lesser, unreliable, or unable to perform a task. The above example of giving a gift of food is a great illustration of what we mean.

As well, especially in a business deal, hiya is directly related to pakikisama.

Pakikisama

Don’t worry, this one isn’t as complex as hiya. Pakikisama is the concept of a smooth relationship, and being non-confrontational. It’s important for Philippine business people to conduct a negotiation without conflict, and is related to saving face.

The best advice we can give to avoid conflict in Philippine business is to take things slow.

Generally, Philippine suppliers will do anything they can to avoid saying no. Refusal creates conflict in a negotiation, and causes one or both sides to lose face. This will generally put a halt to further negotiations, even if you get a “yes” out of them. Yes often means “perhaps,” and shouldn’t be taken seriously.

Avoiding conflict altogether is your best bet. Like with hiya, avoid any situation where your Philippine partner refuses an offer or displays excessive emotion. For example, “lowballing” or “highballing” aren’t useful tactics in Philippine business. These methods rely on an initial no and later compromise.

The best advice we can give to avoid conflict in Philippine business is to take things slow. Don’t be overly aggressive when negotiating. Don’t be frank, as you may come off as uncultured and will make people feel uncomfortable. Your best bet is to do what will irk most US small business people – beat around the bush.

Though it might be a culture shock, it’s even more important to avoid conflict with sensitive topics such as Philippine politics, and payment.

Play the game, engage in small talk, and build a relationship with your supplier. Allowing the practices to play out and respecting Philippine values will take you further in your negotiations than overly-forward tactics ever will. Though it might be a culture shock, it’s even more important to avoid conflict with sensitive topics such as Philippine politics, and payment.

(C) by VEEM. * This blog provides general information and discussion about global business payments and related subjects. The content provided in this blog ("Content”), should not be construed as and is not intended to constitute financial, legal or tax advice. You should seek the advice of professionals prior to acting upon any information contained in the Content. All Content is provided strictly “as is” and we make no warranty or representation of any kind regarding the Content.