Scribd
Upload
11 views

Lesson-I.2

Uploaded by

Qwerty
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views

Lesson-I.2

Uploaded by

Qwerty
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Colonial Legacies: Spanish, American, and

Japanese Influences on Filipino Culture and


the Modern Employee
The Philippines has a rich and diverse history marked by periods of colonization by foreign
powers, including Spain, the United States, and Japan. Each of these colonizers left lasting
legacies on Filipino culture, shaping the nation's identity and influencing the characteristics of the
modern Filipino employee. This article delves into the Spanish, American, and Japanese
influences on Filipino culture and examines their impact on the Filipino workforce today,
particularly in global industries such as business process outsourcing (BPO).

Spanish Influence:
The Spanish colonization of the Philippines lasted for over 300 years, leaving an indelible mark on
the nation's culture. Key aspects of Spanish influence on Filipino culture include:

1. Religion: The introduction of Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism, has become a


cornerstone of Filipino culture. The predominantly Catholic faith influences many aspects of
Filipino life, from personal values to community celebrations.

2. Language: Spanish colonization also introduced the Spanish language, which has
influenced the Filipino language and is still evident in many Filipino surnames, place
names, and everyday vocabulary.

3. Social Structure: Spanish colonization introduced a hierarchical social structure, with


European elites at the top and indigenous populations at the bottom. This historical social
hierarchy continues to impact Filipino society and the workplace, with an emphasis on
respect for authority and deference to superiors.

American Influence:
Following the Spanish-American War, the Philippines became a colony of the United States. Key
aspects of American influence on Filipino culture include:

1. Education: The United States implemented a public education system that used English as
the medium of instruction. This widespread English education has made the Philippines one
of the largest English-speaking countries in Asia, with a highly bilingual workforce.

2. Democratic Institutions: The American occupation introduced democratic ideals and


institutions, shaping the political landscape of the Philippines and instilling values such as
equality and individual rights.

3. Pop Culture: American pop culture has had a significant impact on Filipino society, with
widespread consumption of American movies, music, and other media. This familiarity with
American culture makes Filipino employees highly adaptable in international work
environments.

Japanese Influence:
Although Japan's occupation of the Philippines during World War II was brief in comparison to the
Spanish and American colonization periods, it still left a lasting impact on Filipino culture. Key
aspects of Japanese influence on Filipino culture include:
1. Discipline and Work Ethic: Japanese culture emphasizes discipline, hard work, and
perseverance. While the Japanese occupation was marked by violence and hardship, some
elements of Japanese work ethic have been absorbed into Filipino culture, contributing to
the strong work ethic observed in the Filipino workforce today.

2. Appreciation for Art and Aesthetics: The Japanese occupation also exposed Filipinos to
Japanese art and aesthetics, fostering an appreciation for craftsmanship and attention to
detail. This influence can be seen in Filipino employees' dedication to delivering high-quality
work.

Impact on the Modern Filipino Employee:


The colonial legacies of Spain, the United States, and Japan have left lasting impressions on
Filipino culture, shaping the modern Filipino employee in various ways. Aspects such as strong
work ethic, adaptability, bilingualism, and respect for authority can be traced back to the nation's
colonial history. These traits have contributed to the success of Filipino employees in global
industries such as BPO, where their unique blend of skills and cultural experiences make them
valuable assets in international work environments.

You might also like