Soliciting donations for a grieving colleague

This is my first time to work as a human resources (HR) manager for a company managed by foreign nationals, Yesterday, the spouse of one worker died, and some workers initiated an abuloy collection drive. I am worried how this cultural practice might come across to some of the foreign managers. — Drama Mama.

- REY ELBO

In many Filipino private and public organizations, extending financial help to a bereaved colleague is almost automatic. It’s not about the money but showing that you and other employees’ care.

It’s common to see an envelope quietly being passed around to collect abuloy. It’s not compulsory, but serves as a demonstration of pakikisama (camaraderie). At any rate, colleagues are not expected to give a large amount of money.

In many foreign-managed work environments, however, especially those influenced by Western management practices, the workplace is expected to be free of any form of solicitation, regardless of its purpose and the amount of money involved.

What's understood as pakikisama may, in some foreign culture, be seen as a policy violation, an ethical gray area, or even an HR compliance risk. That’s because what feels like generosity for Filipinos can feel like pressure to foreigners, regardless of the collection’s voluntary nature.

Western ethics are guided by fairness and neutrality. No one should feel coerced, even subtly, to contribute to a cause they might not personally support. This difference in mindset often creates an awkward tension: employees want to show sympathy, but foreign managers may not like it.

Should they allow the donation drive, or risk appearing cold-hearted by saying no?

Welcome to the globalized workplace, where good intentions need management approval.

GLOBAL RULES, LOCAL HEARTS