Filipino Management Styles

Summary

PurpleBug Incorporated is a leading digital marketing agency in the Philippines, offering comprehensive services including web design, social media management, online advertising, and more. Co-founded by industry experts Marl Gonzalez and Jonah Deth Coha, the agency has built a strong reputation with clients across various sectors like Ovaltine, SkyBizz, and Lexus Manila. Despite challenges like the pandemic, PurpleBug’s management has fostered a positive, supportive work environment through initiatives like fun team-building activities and a focus on employee well-being. The agency’s success is rooted in its commitment to quality solutions and a people-centered approach to management.

Takeaways

• 📈 PurpleBug Incorporated is a Philippine-based digital marketing agency established in 2011, offering 360-degree digital marketing solutions and online services including web design, web development, social media management, and influencer marketing.
• 🌏 The company serves clients both locally in the Philippines and internationally, working with brands in diverse industries such as telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and airlines.
• 👔 PurpleBug was co-founded by Marl Gonzalez, an advertising management graduate with extensive experience in business development and marketing in Asia, and Jonah Death Coha, a licensed electronic communication engineer with an MBA and project management expertise.
• 💡 The management philosophy emphasizes hard work, persistence, optimism, and strong Filipino cultural values, even during challenges like typhoons and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 🏡 During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company implemented work-from-home arrangements while maintaining productivity and employee morale.
• 🎉 PurpleBug promotes strong employee engagement through initiatives like Wednesday online check-ins and themed Fun Fridays, fostering a supportive and fun remote working environment.
• 🤝 The management style balances authority with respect, maintaining employees' dignity while giving clear instructions, reflecting key Filipino cultural norms around relationships and respect.
• 💼 Loyalty and reciprocity are core elements of the company's culture, with managers looking after employees' interests and expecting loyalty in return.
• 🎯 PurpleBug emphasizes a holistic approach to digital marketing campaigns, ensuring high-quality service delivery while also investing in employee well-being.
• 😊 The company maintains a positive and optimistic attitude in client interactions and project management, ensuring a friendly and solution-oriented work culture.

Q & A

What type of services does Purplebug Incorporated provide?

Purplebug Incorporated is a full-service digital marketing agency offering 360-degree digital marketing solutions, including web design, web development, digital advertising, influencer marketing, social media management, online shop management, digital news network services, and application development.

When was Purplebug Incorporated established?

Purplebug Incorporated has been in the industry since 2011.

Who are the co-founders of Purplebug Incorporated?

The co-founders are Mr. Marl Gonzalez, an advertising management graduate and marketing expert, and Ms. Jonah Death Coha, a licensed electronic communication engineer with an MBA and expertise in project management for web and mobile applications.

What is the company’s approach to employee engagement during remote work?

During the pandemic, Purplebug enforced work-from-home arrangements and maintained employee engagement through initiatives like Wednesday online combined meetings and Fun Fridays, where employees dress up for themed activities and share selfies in Monday meetings via Zoom.

Which industries does Purplebug cater to?

Purplebug serves multiple industries including consumer goods, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and airlines, with clients such as Ovaltine, Skybyz, Bonamine BLC, Novo Nordisk, Lexus Manila, and Thai Airways.

How does Purplebug reflect Filipino management culture?

The company emphasizes hard work, persistence, optimism, and respect for personal relationships. Managers carefully give instructions to maintain dignity and avoid embarrassment, while expecting loyalty and reciprocal care from employees.

What management style does Purplebug follow?

Purplebug combines strong hierarchical management with relationship-based Filipino cultural values. Managers are kind and precise in their guidance while fostering loyalty and strong personal bonds with employees.

How does Purplebug maintain a positive work environment?

The agency promotes a light and fun environment through social activities, virtual meetings, themed dress-up days, and general optimism in client interactions, ensuring employees remain motivated and productive even remotely.

What role do personal relationships play in Purplebug’s management approach?

Personal relationships are crucial. Managers are expected to look after employees’ interests, ensure mutual respect, and cultivate loyalty, reflecting deep-rooted Filipino cultural values in the workplace.

How did Purplebug handle challenges during natural disasters and the pandemic?

Despite typhoons and the pandemic, the company remained positive, adapted to remote work, and continued providing premium digital marketing solutions, demonstrating resilience and commitment to clients and employees alike.

Which educational backgrounds do the co-founders have?

Mr. Marl Gonzalez graduated in advertising management from La Salle University, and Ms. Jonah Death Coha is a licensed electronic communication engineer from the Technological Institute of the Philippines with an MBA from the University of Santo Tomas.