I was navigating through my linkedin network and got interested in one discussion started by someone who is obviously not a user of the Tagalog dialect. Here it is:
"Ano ang iniisip ninyo? Paano mahalaga ay ang pakikisama para sa gusali ng negosyo sa Pilipinas?"
Apparently, this was translated using an online translator - reminds me of Mosley twitting in Tagalog few weeks ago. It is a funny translation but it is understandable that the person who posted this has a good intention of understanding part of the Filipino culture. I decided to post my reaction to it and before I knew it, I was already posting a blog-long reply. So I decided to share my reply here on this blog, with few alterations after making some proofreading on it:
"
I think this question can be translated as "How important is 'pakikisama' in building a business in the Philippines?". I decided to leave 'pakikisama' as is because I could not find an exact word for it in English. Though not exactly, I think it could be described as a culture of "going with the flow in order to preserve a relationship". In extreme cases, this "going with the flow" culture could go as far as sacrificing "professionalism" or "business ethics".
In the workplace, someone with good "pakikisama" attitude is the likeable guy who has good relationship with almost everyone. He is the one who laughs at your corniest jokes and drinks beer with his officemates after office hours, sometimes to the extent of sacrificing time from his family. Unfortunately, he could also be the guy who does not report a wrongdoing when he sees them, though he does not necessarily agree with those deeds. And this is all the for the sake of preserving a good relationship with those who are involved.
I'm not a business person but I think the description about the good "pakikisama" guy in the office also applies to business people. They could be the ones who might take the losing end of a certain negotiation for the sake of preserving a relationship, or making the other party satisfied expecting that they may turn the favor back some time in the future (utang na loob). Again, some people, if not many, would go to the extent of sacrificing "ethics" and "professionalism" for the sake of "pakikisama".
In my opinion, "pakikisama" may have worked well in the past. It has taken employees up the corporate ladder and made a lot of business people rich. Unfortunately, it has also been made a good excuse to tolerate wrongdoings. Many used to believe that "pakikisama" is good, and therefore, whatever result that comes out of it is also good.
"Pakikisama" is obviously still at work in many offices and businesses today. I believe, however, that there are signs that we are now in a turning point where people are drawing the line and putting limits on their "pakikisama".
"Pakikisama" is a Filipino culture. It is good, but only if we put limits into it.
"
The link to that linkedin discussion is right here. By the way, linkedin is a networking site similar to facebook. The difference is that linkedin is a bit more formal as it is designed to build networks among professionals or business people. If you are keen about expanding your business or professional network, I recommend creating your linkedin profile and start networking with your fellow professionals in your field of expertise. You may start creating your linkedin account here.
What do you think about "pakikisama" as a Filipino culture? You may want to share your thoughts too by posting it in the comments section below.
