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Business Culture in The Philippines

Find out about business culture, protocol, customs and business etiquette in The Philippines. Learn about doing successful business in The Philippines, marketing, corporate structure, negotiating, establishing connections and finding your partner. Receive latest information on The Philippines business organization, manners, building relationship, correspondence and traditions. Get practical tips on meeting protocol, business entertainment, communication, social customs and much more.

Proper Protocol in The Philippines

A handshake is appropriate when greeting somebody for both men and women. A handshake should not be very firm. Wait for a Filipino woman to extend her hand. Close Filipino female friends often embrace and kiss one another. Filipinos often greet one another by establishing eye contact, raising their eyebrows and lowering their eyes. Raising eyebrows also indicates confirmation that they understand you. ... » » » MORE

Above all, you must be non-confrontational and do not make your counterpart feel threatened. Filipinos consider it very important to maintain harmony. They do not want to displease and will rarely say "no" directly. "Yes" can mean "maybe" and "maybe" can mean "no". In your own communication, be careful not to say "no" directly either. An unpleasant message is usually delivered by a third party. Listen to these messages, and realize that you will not receive them directly from top executives. Americans should also use this method of delivering a negative response. ... » » » MORE

Doing Business in The Philippines

As in other relationship-focused cultures, many Filipinos are reluctant to talk business with people they do not know -- especially foreigners who are trying to sell them something. Trade shows and official trade missions are good ways to meet prospective customers and partners. Another way is to have someone introduce you, preferably a person or organization who knows both you and the Filipino party you wish to contact. You can also ask your bank or a trading company, law firm, consulting firm or embassy official to introduce you. ... » » » MORE

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