David L.

Cal Poly BUS 302 | Philippines | he/him

[David L. @davlez14]

Something to keep in mind when doing business in the Philippines too! Many Americans may think adapting to the Philippines will be easy because of its history of US & Spanish colonization, but the PI and its culture is much more complex. A sense of cultural awareness is essential

[Trenten Tso @trenten302]

When traveling to Saudi Arabia it is important to have a strong understanding of local culture. A rich Muslim heritage and its religion play a central part in its culture. It will prevent you from making missteps and inaccurate stereotypes. Culture awareness is key!!!

[David L. @davlez14]

An example of this would be the tone and volume of the voice. Raising your voice can come off as an unnecessary use of energy that asserts one’s dominance over the group. In contrast, adopting a gentler tone is something to consider when doing business here

[David L. @davlez14]

The Philippines is considered a culture with a high-context communication style, which means professional communication is often layered and nuanced. It’s important to be aware of non-verbal cues that go beyond what’s explicitly stated

[Katie Dunlop @KatieDunlop18]

When doing business in Russia, remember that written contracts are not as important as interpersonal relationships are in business deals. Make a genuine bond with your business partners and you will have their loyalty in all contractual obligations.

[David L. @davlez14]

In doing so, it is less likely that employees will take the feedback as a personal attack, which can help maintain relationships in a culture that prioritizes such.

[David L. @davlez14]

As with many other Asian countries, the Philippines has a preoccupation with avoiding a “loss of face.” Applying this cultural knowledge to a managerial approach, leaders should provide any necessary critical feedback in a gentle manner that is also discrete and in private.

[Shirley @shurlay_italy]

In the Italian culture, family solidarity holds an important value. They focus more on the extended family in addition to the Western culture of “the nuclear family”. Young children and even those of young adults are watched carefully and trained to be loyal to their parents.

[David L. @davlez14]

When in a managerial position in the Philippines, feel free to cultivate an environment of gentle, well-meaning teasing to help build relationships. It indicates a level of closeness and eases tension in a professional setting, especially when in a role of authority.

[David L. @davlez14]

It’s common practice to bring a gift of sorts when invited to a home in the Philippines as well! These gifts are usually not opened right when received, but set aside to be opened at a later time.

[Eli Shelton @EliShelton7]

Gift-giving is a must in Nigerian culture. If you are ever invited to someone’s house in Nigeria you must bring a gift!

[Eli Shelton @EliShelton7]

Gift-giving is a must in Nigerian culture. If you are ever invited to someone’s house in Nigeria you must bring a gift!

[David L. @davlez14]

Due to a preoccupation with avoiding shame/embarrassment in the Philippines, it’s unlikely for someone to directly reject a proposal during a business interaction, even if they want to. With this in mind, it’s important to pay attention to implicit factors (e.g., body language).

[David L. @davlez14]

It’s customary and proper business etiquette to present your business card this way in the Philippines as well!

[David L. @davlez14]

With this in mind, conversations during business interactions in the Philippines may often include inquiries about each other’s family and personal lives.

[David L. @davlez14]

Given that the culture in the Philippines is heavily relationship-oriented, building rapport is advisable. In the case that you’re a new company representative meeting with a client, it’s recommended that a third-party that they’re already familiar with introduces you.