Discussion Question - Assignment Example

Negotiating Effectively Negotiating Effectively The country that one chose to negotiate with is the Philippines.The Philippines is a largely English-speaking country; thus, one does not see any language barrier. English is used in education, dealing with government and during business meetings. If one plans to have a business meeting, the appointment should be made three to four weeks in advance (kwintessential.co.uk, n.d.). Personal meetings are preferred because for Filipinos, business relationships are personal relationships.

The use of a third party to introduce one to the person whom one wants to do business is advisable because it will facilitate the scheduling of the meeting. Interpersonal relationships are very important to Filipinos. During the initial business meeting, one will most likely not meet the decision maker. Several visits need to be done before one meets the decision maker. Furthermore, negotiations with Filipino companies take more time because group consensus if often needed. “The pace of doing business in the Philippines is casual and leisurely” (Henderson, 1999).

Because of the paternalistic and hierarchical management, decisions usually take time. Social relationships play a major role in the decision-making process. One must take note that Filipinos do not like confrontations. They find it hard to say “no” because they want to remain courteous (Communicaid Group Ltd., 2009). Moreover, saying “yes” may not really mean yes, rather, it may mean “perhaps” or “maybe” or even “no”. In negotiating with Filipino companies, it is important to be knowledgeable of the Filipino culture and traditions.

The style of management is usually paternalistic; therefore, one must be able to adapt to this style to effectively do business in the Philippines (Henderson, 1999).ReferencesCommunicaid Group Ltd. (2009). Doing business in the Philippines / Philippine social and business culture. Retrieved May 25, 2012, from communicaid.com: http://www.communicaid.com/access/pdf/library/culture/doing-business-in/Doing%20Business%20in%20the%20Philippines.pdfHenderson, C. (1999, July). Filipino business norms, etiquette and style.

Retrieved May 25, 2012, from apmforum.com: http://www.apmforum.com/columns/orientseas6.htmkwintessential.co.uk. (n.d.). Philippines - language, culture, customs and etiquette. Retrieved May 25, 2012, from kwintessential.co.uk: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/philippines-country-profile.html