Utilization of Filipino Mindsets and its Relationship to Impression Formation and Management

Abstract

This study explores the Filipino mindsets utilized in creating profiling strategies within courtship, job application, classroom setting, and security setting, as well as their ways of presenting themselves with such contexts. This was done through identifying and anchoring profiling techniques to different stereotypes, values, and belief systems utilized by Filipinos in creating impressions toward others, as well as in managing other’s impressions toward them. Furthermore, this study delves into the differences between the impression formation and impression management strategies done by Filipinos within the four aforementioned contexts. These strategies, as seen in the related literature as well as the framework of this study suggest that the nature of interpersonal interactions within the four social contexts is associated with the impressions that people make toward each other. This study interviewed 16 informants and conducted three focus group interviews during the data gathering period. Three key informants, experts in the job application context, classroom setting context, and security context were also interviewed to get hold of information from professional sources. This study establishes that impression management of Filipinos changes according to the social context where they are situated and that among the temporal features of individuals, it is the clothing that determines the social category to which they belong to. One pertinent finding of this study is that Filipinos usually categorize based on one’s clothing in order to know his/her financial capabilities. This categorization strategy results to varying approach in dealing with the profiled individuals belonging to different social groups. Furthermore, the proponents of this study assert that in order to achieve a positive projection of one’s self, a person should convince other people that he/she is affiliated to an individual or institution who/which is highly regarded in the Filipino society. Also, as supported by past literature and the results of this study, Filipinos rarely exhibit rejection and/or aggressiveness in dealing with other people. Lastly, this study purports that pakikiramdam, importance of filial alliances, male superiority, tribal affiliation and respect are the Filipino mindsets that are involved in Filipino impression formation and management.

This study can be best used by dating counsellors, marriage counsellors, personality coaches, as well as guidance counsellors in universities so as to improve the interpersonal relationships among the main players in the four contexts abovementioned.

Macapagal, K.L. & Olondriz, F.C. (2010). Utilization of Filipino Mindsets and its Relationship to Impression Formation and Management, Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication.

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SUbject Index: Impression formation (Psychology) -- Philippines, Social perception, Social skills, Interpersonal relations