Toward Pamamahalang Pilipino

MANAGEMENT discourse in the Philippines remains heavily influenced by traditional Western paradigms that prioritize organizational efficiency, profits and shareholder returns. However, there are incoherences between the traditional Western paradigm and the Filipino cultural orientation surrounding dignity, solidarity and holistic well-being. Traditional Western management constructs cannot fully reflect the lived realities, relationships and language that form the spirit of local Filipino experiences. While concepts of efficiency and wealth maximization still hold importance, it is important to pay attention to the social, cultural, and spiritual contexts that characterize the nuance of authentic Filipino management. Doing so can catalyze the evolution of a kind of management thinking we can own — something we can call “Pamamahalang Pilipino.”

What would characterize Filipino management? Pamamahalang Pilipino would hold economic or entrepreneurial value creation as important but not a sufficient goal or purpose. Entrepreneurship through “diskarte” (creativity and resourcefulness) leverages not only economic opportunities but, more importantly, opportunities for sociocultural development — furthering individual dignity and communal ties.