Discovering the Similarities and Differences between Filipino and American Culture | CCS 9 Q4 WEEK 2

Filipinos, as well as other races, have their own valued culture that they come across, especially when it comes to business. In Contact Center Service, you will interact with various people who have different cultures and views on life. Thus, it is essential to become familiar with your consumers' culture and understand them better. Moreover, it will help you establish new ways of thinking and solving problems, which is your main goal as a service provider. 

Getting familiar with other cultures will help you relate to people better. Here are some of the similarities and differences between the Filipino and American culture: 

Greetings:

Source: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/your-guide-to-filipino-gestures/

"Mano" is often referred to as "bless" in English. Mano is a sign of respect towards elders and also a manner of accepting a blessing from an elder. 

Handshake is the most common greeting where two people grasp each other’s hand when they meet for the first time or in professional settings.

Religion:

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Christianity: Catholicism, Church of Christ

Islam

Other: Mormonism, Protestant, Jehovah’s Witness, Orthodox, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism

Family: 

The nuclear family is the core family unit. This type of family creates a tight-knit community among extended family members. 

Classically, the average American family is understood as a nuclear family (husband, wife, and children) with separate extended families.

Naming: 

The Filipino naming conventions are influenced by the Spanish heritage of the Philippines. The typical naming format includes the mother’s maiden name as a middle name, while the father’s surname is adopted as their surname. 

American names follow Western naming conventions, such as "Jacqueline Casey Smith." Some Americans address each other by their last name.

Etiquette:

Time: It is common for Filipinos to arrive an hour after the designated time.

Americans place great importance on time, often saying "time is money."

Food: 

Almost all meals are served with rice. Americans mostly eat food like bread, potatoes, and donuts.

Source: https://youtu.be/wGNq2RdrgRA

Visiting: 

Removing one's shoes before entering someone's home is a common practice. Inside the home, the host may offer you slippers to wear. 

Arrange a visit before going to an American’s house. Unless you have asked them in advance, do not arrive unannounced or bring friends and family with you.

Gift-giving: 

Filipinos often put a lot of thought into their gifts and offer gifts that are sentimental, thoughtful, and/or practical. 

Gifts are usually given only on special occasions and are almost always accompanied by a card.

Do's and Don'ts:

Do compliment people’s efforts and hospitality. It is an essential component of interaction, and they will often go to extreme lengths to be hospitable to their company.

Don't show signs of anger publicly, raise your voice, or yell in front of people who are older or superior to you. Hiya (shame or embarrassment) can result from any confrontational or offensive behavior, tarnishing your reputation.

Do be open and proud of your success, as Americans like to concentrate on achievements and other positive things.

Don't make slurs about race. Race relations are taken very seriously in America.

Communication:

Verbal: 

To avoid being rude, Filipinos would attempt to express their views and ideas diplomatically and with modesty. They prefer to verbally communicate their whole message, paying little attention to body language. People are expected to "get to the point."

Non-Verbal: 

It is normal for Filipinos to walk hand in hand or arm in arm with relatives or friends of the same gender. Putting your hands on your hips is a symbol of anger. It is common for Filipinos to make a sound like "pssst" when they want to get attention.

Puckering their lips and moving their mouths in the direction they are pointing to is done when pointing at objects. 

Americans should maintain direct eye contact to display warmth, openness, honesty, and approachability. 

It is best to nod or display some kind of sign that you are listening in a conversation. Many Americans smile as a simple gesture of goodwill when passing strangers on the street.

Business Culture 

• When the appointment is business-related, you can expect a Filipino to be on time. 

• Filipinos enjoy working with those they understand and trust. Nepotism is popular for this reason. 

• Verbal agreements are adhered to on the basis of trust. You jeopardize your business relationships if you break them.

• A Filipino is unlikely to directly refuse a proposal or reject something you say, even when they do not agree with it, because they are avoiding hiya (shame or embarrassment). 

• In meetings, to demonstrate their professionalism, they arrive on time or slightly early. 

• Depending on the size and culture of the organization, anyone present at a meeting is welcome to give their opinion, regardless of age or business hierarchy. 

• Expect them at the close of the meeting to seek a verbal agreement sealed with a handshake. Bear in mind, though, that once it is on paper, nothing is finalized. 

• Americans can be competitive in the industry. For instance, if it has significant payoffs, they will be more likely to take a risk.