The South East Asian Journal of Management • Vol. 11 • No. 1 • 2017 • 25-43

FILIPINO COLLEGE STUDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE VALUE OF PHYSICAL APPEAL TO POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

Jonalou S. Labor Department of Communication Research, College of Mass Communication, University of the , Quezon City, Philippines [email protected]

Musings of thirty-six college students from three higher educational institutions in the Manila, Philippines were used to look at the constructs of physical appeal Abstract and its power to influence leadership. By thematically analyzing the musings of the students, the research found physical appeal concepts that are associated to leadership. The study revealed that the students perceive leadership in two ways: from “within” the leader such as skills and knowledge, and from the “outside” where leadership is associated to goals, to influences, and to authority. In terms of physical appeal, leaders are expected to possess physical beauty (kagandahang anyo). Moreover, leaders are seen as individuals who have good manners (kagandahang asal). Interestingly, the college students claimed that leadership should also be based on capacity (kakayanan) and connection (koneksyon). These findings revealed that leadership has its physical and ethical forms that help the students visualize their idealized national political leader.

Keywords: Political leadership, physical appeal, Philippine

Kegiatan refleksi atau perenungan dari tiga puluh enam mahasiswa dari tiga institusi pendidikan tinggi di Manila, Filipina digunakan untuk melihat konstruksi Abstrak daya tarik fisik dan kekuatannya untuk mempengaruhi kepemimpinan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa konsep daya tarik fisik terkait dengan kepemimpinan. Studi tersebut mengungkapkan bahwa siswa memandang kepemimpinan dengan dua cara: dari “dalam” pemimpin seperti keterampilan dan pengetahuan, dan dari “luar” di mana kepemimpinan dikaitkan dengan tujuan, pengaruh, dan otoritas. Dari segi daya tarik fisik, para pemimpin diharapkan memiliki kecantikan fisik (kagandahang anyo). Apalagi para pemimpin dipandang sebagai individu yang memiliki tata krama (kagandahang asal). Yang menarik, para mahasiswa mengklaim bahwa kepemimpinan juga harus didasarkan pada kapasitas (kakayanan) dan koneksi (koneksyon). Temuan ini mengungkapkan bahwa kepemimpinan memiliki bentuk fisik dan etika yang membantu siswa memvisualisasikan pemimpin politik nasional ideal mereka.

Kata kunci: Kepemimpinan politik, daya tarik fisik, Filipina

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hilippine elections are existing magazines, blogs, and radio programs. times for the nation. This year, At times, Arroyo was hit hard because PFilipinos have elected Rodrigo of the lavishness of her clothing that Roa Duterte. Before being elected, was deemed inappropriate for the then commentaries have been published fluctuating nature of the Philippine that depicted him as sloppy and economy. unfashionable. He is also criticized because of his color, too. Then Pres. Even skin color has become a source Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III had of debate in the Philippines. Sinogba the same comments, too. In 2011, as (2013) feels a great deal of disturbance Aquino III has been sworn into office, on the “meme-fication” of Philippine news reports that highlighted how he senator Nancy Binay in social media. can be given a physical appearance In the article, Sinogba mentions how makeover. in Twitter claim she is not surprised by the way the that Noynoy needed hair implants. online world has played on Binay’s Filipino tweet that he also needed skin color. She claimed that, “The make up lessons and posture tips. Nancy Binay hatefest on Twitter is just Some others wanted Noynoy to work a painful reminder that the landscape out, wear less loose clothes, and even of Pinoy popular (and political) culture consult a stylist. There are agreements is dotted with references to skin color that both Duterte and Aquino lack the and its relationship to beauty, status, physical appeal to be the next President and goodness” (para.6). It seems that, of the Philippines- appearance-wise. as what Sinogba has highlighted, associating the skin color to political In the same breath, former Philippine and leadership inexperience has Presidents and other national and local paraded in the emerging media. There leaders would be under the watchful have also been constant claims that eye of media, the Internet, and even political leaders have used their “looks” in some informal conversations about either as tools or excuses in national how they look and present themselves campaigns. For one, Philippine senator in public. Whenever a national , despite capitalizing gathering like the State of the Nation on her “magandang laban” (beautiful (SONA) and the State Dinners would fight) political campaign, did not be organized, there is much buzz to relate well to the electorate. Most of what and who people wore during the the time it’s the young Filipino voting events. In a report by Servando (2009), population that either makes the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s presidency comments or act as audiences to the has been so much associated with the concept of fashionable political leaders “hits and misses” of her fashion sense- in the Philippine society. claiming as if her clothing dictated her reign. From Arroyo’s jewelries to Research Question and Objectives her Filipiniana attire, ethnic designed Given these accounts, it is cuffs to gown color choices; everyone interesting to study the perceptions had their own opinion to how it of Filipino youth about the nature affected the nature of the Presidency. and value of physical appearance to Comments on how “safe” Arroyo was leadership. Using the perceptions of to how “outdated” her choices were college students from three higher part of lifestyle sections of Philippine educational institutions in Metro

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Manila, Philippines, this research present before the Spaniards came as explores on the question: What are in the cases of the Binukot and the the musings of selected Filipino Maranaos, there was much adulation to youth about the value of physical the effect of a lighter skin color, a more appeal to leadership? chiseled nose, and a taller individual - the statuesque characteristics of Specifically, the study wants to: the colonizer (Reyes-Encanto 2004; Del Mundo 1998). The fair-skinned 1. Determine the explanations of became the mainstream, and the dark- the concept of political leadership skinned became support. Worse, the from a selected group of Filipino growth of the association between fair college students; as a representation of the pure and the 2. Establish the knowledge of the virginal and dark as evil became more nature of physical appeal from obvious (Orsal 2007). Another possible the musings of selected college reason for Filipinos wanting to be fairer Filipino students; and than they are can be attributed to the 3. Evaluate the understanding of the way Filipinos are being discriminated Filipino youth of physical appeal against in neighboring nations. Shin and political leadership among (2014) argues that Filipinos prefer to these college students don the Chinese, Korean, or Japanese looks in order to assimilate to nations LITERATURE REVIEW that discriminate against Filipinos. Dark-skinned actresses are a rarity, Defining Physical Appeal and more often than not, cast in roles that are exotic in nature, be it a tribal Physical appeal, being heavily chieftain or seductive dancers. associated with what is aesthetically pleasing or beautiful, has been Notions of appeals based on physical present in various cultures around the characteristics, therefore, are not world. Culturally, the pre-Hispanic innocent representations in the Philippines had long been immersed Philippines as these can be sources of in naming and putting value on what power, intimidation, and affirmation- is beautiful. The intricate designs in even leadership. Captivating, the the art of tattoo, ornamentation, local discussions on the perceptions of fabrics, and even the predecessors’ the representations of leadership adoration for gold show that there have interested the academic world. have been idealized constructs of Moreover, prominence is given to what would be attractive, adorable, the value of observation as a vantage and beautiful. Males are expected to point in developing descriptors for be muscular, manly, and mannered leadership. It seems that constructivist while females in pre-colonial times notions on leadership have shaped are to be the prettiest members of the how individuals look at leaders, how community. leaders perform in organizations, and how organizations function, in general. Because of colonization, the notion of Furthermore, there is a dearth of beauty has been equated to a somewhat literature on how Filipinos - especially different representation. Although the youth - perceive leadership. It is, the notion of fairness in skin was therefore, necessary to determine how

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young citizens perceive leadership. of the CEOs’ facial appearance” Interestingly, this paper centers on the (p.110). notion that might be a physical appeal component to political leadership. In In the realm of Western politics, this study, physical appeal is defined the same trend of appearance and to overarch from facial features leadership exists. Riggio and Riggio and expressions, posture, clothing, (2010) argue for facial qualities grooming, and skin color. of competence while Little (2012) asserts the physical appearance link to Linking Physical Appeal and occupational success. Facial images Leadership predict actual political decision and leadership success in the corporate Interest in the nature of one’s physical world. appearance and its influence to a variety of variables such as hiring decisions The literature cited above highlights and even election results in different the perceptions of physical appearance parts of the globe is growing. Research and leadership in settings like the office, indicates that from the perspective of school, and even during elections. the person, physical appearance is a Studies suggest that individuals’ notion needed attribute. Physical appearance, of good physical appeal affect their mediated by appearance-related social projection of themselves. Moreover, skills, affects the emergence of the research on perceived physical leader (Cherulnik 1995; Jackson, attributes of leaders have paved the Sullivan and Hymes 2001). way in naming certain physical forms as marks of the “idealized” leadership From the side of the perceivers, in the workplace and beyond. attractiveness too, is a factor. Shannon and Stark (2003) learned that physical Describing the Nature of Perceptions appearance variables might play a role in employment hiring decisions. By In the literature, perceptions play examining the influence of beardedness a great role in developing attitude, and attractiveness on personnel behavior, and practices. Across selection, results of their investigation cultures and societies, contexts and showed that level of attractiveness of content, perceptions of how leadership the photographs significantly affected is portrayed, valued, presented, and the evaluation of the application to lived have intrigued researchers and which it was attached, but did not practitioners of leadership. significantly affect the subjects’ final selection decision. In 2008, Rule and A perception is said to aid in accurately Ambady studied whether impressions presenting objects, property, and of Chief Executive Offiers (CEO) relations in the environment (Gregory would be related to the performance of 1966). In a sense, perceptions can give their companies. The researchers note, good semantic relationship between “even when we controlled for age, representations and the represented affect, and attractiveness, CEOs from objects or concepts. It can be deduced more versus less successful companies that perceptions are cognitive visions could be distinguished via naive that influence people in naming objects, judgments based solely on perceptions people, and concepts. Moreover, it is

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also implied that such constructions a positive source of power across are informed by the perceivers’ social cultures. Leadership, therefore, situations and realities. This means that cannot be universally defined but in order for one to perceive a concept should be culturally constructed. properly, there must be a focused and grounded introspection that comes Constructing the Filipino Mindsets from one’s experiences. The Filipino youth is part of a collective Students perceive leadership as a body that is slowly shaping the political source of power (Astin and Leland, sphere of the world. Because of the trust 1991, Helgesen 1995), positive civic that young people have strengths - responsibility that shaped not only creativity, energy, and other potentials - their schools and universities but also then the community can teach them the their lives (Rosser 2003). Similarly, values of accountability, honesty, and Ford and Kiran (2008) have found diligence. These young Filipinos are perceptions as powerful sources of also active off and online (AIJC Report information in assessing leadership n.d., Sebastian 2013) so their exposure and transformation of a community. and experience in perceiving the world Students also demand accountability is wide. These writings point out that from their leaders (Dugan and the Filipino youth have the capacity Komives, 2007). The role models already to create their own perspectives they choose shape millennial students’ on many social processes. Because of notions of leadership and their their active involvement on and off- experiences (Shehane, Sturtevant, line, they are aware, informed, and Moore & Dooley, 2012). exposed to various ways of knowing. In this paper, their perceptions of the Cultural dictations related to perception physical forms of leadership were of leadership must also be considered. investigated. In collectivist nations, leadership is seen as a binding force especially if Moreover, the Filipino has it is participative (Hofstede 2001, been characterized in various Jayasingam and Cheng 2009). In the sociological, psychological, cultural, Philippines, Sobritchea (2005) pointed communicative, etc. ways. In the out that gender has long played its literature, he is thoroughly discussed role in shaping leadership. She argued as someone who has the unique that because there are still stereotypes concept, mindset, behavior, and even in what leaders are supposed to be, patterns of communication (Enriquez “masculine and feminine roles strongly 1993, 1994; Gastardo-Conaco 2005). influence career options and people’s However, Maggay (1999, 2002) choice of their leaders” (p.129). doubts the collectivist notion when she said that Filipinos have “surface It seems that with all these accounts westernization that lends a certain in leadership, there is a plethora of facility to interactions with outsiders definitions and demands for what that misleads outsiders into thinking the leader should and could be. that they could operate significantly From being a process to being a within the culture without having to responsibility to having a gender cross substantial cultural and linguistic component, leadership is seen as barriers” (p.34).

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Expounding on Physical Form of Theoretical Framework Leadership: The Filipino Way This paper argues from some of There is a dearth of literature on how the concepts of Leadership Identity physical appeal is considered to be part Development (LID) Model of of political leadership. De Viana (2013) Komives, Mainella, Longerbeam, have found accounts that Gregorio Osteen, and Owen (2006). The model del Pilar’s youthful looks have been argues from different vantage points mentioned in historical accounts - student development, relational but have never been connected to leadership, leadership development, his leadership as a general. Covar and grounded theory. (1993) claimed that since there is a dichotomy of inside (loob) and outside From the student development (labas) in the Philippine thinking perspective, it has been argued that schema, there would be components in order to develop social identity, of such perceptions. Captivatingly, he there must be an identification of mentioned that for labas to happen, how components such as race, sexual there must be the presence of face orientation, gender, class, etc. affect (mukha) to mirror one’s experience. one another. Learners must be able He clarified further that it is mukha to identify how the components are that one can learn to know feelings and able to relate, integrate, and change emotions of the people. as time progresses. Moreover, the interaction of the components of Roffey (2000) studied and found social development may also be used cultural leadership strategies such in looking at how one’s leadership as qualities of compassionate identity is developed (Komives, involvement and concern, ethical et al. 2006). Moreover, in looking responsibilities, and other cultural at the development of leadership, norms amongst Filipina leaders but did psychosocial and cognitive processes not identify physical appearance as a are usually used as variables. On one social characteristic. Interestingly, the hand, the psychosocial aspect of growth gendered cultural values associated highlights purpose and integrity as with maganda (beauty) emerged but factors that cause the development. On were described more by the research the other hand, cognitive development participants as having socially focuses on thought processes. Taking acceptable behavior to extend beyond a constructivist stance, it argues that physical characteristics of “impeccable knowledge on leadership is achieved by grooming and fashionably dressing.” making sense of the world (Komives, et al. 2006). These accounts project a research gap into the notions of leadership in the RESEARCH METHOD Philippines. With the extensive local accounts of beauty and aesthetics in Research Design history, the mass media, and literature, there has been no current established This study is exploratory-descriptive connection between the perceived in nature. The researcher utilizes the “standards” of physical attributes and qualitative approach of research to leadership styles. explain the musings, insights, and

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perceptions of college students from wanted the top-of-mind perceptions of three higher educational institutions the students, so he asked for only three in Metro Manila. Focus Interviews concepts of physical appeal. (FI) are used in the study. Based on their constructed ideas of what The interviewees were encouraged to physical appeal and leadership are, the talk freely and openly about their views researcher thematically arranged the and practices on branding in order to responses of the students. capture real-life data. The observation logs were to serve as validation of Participants the information mentioned in the transcripts of interviews. This provided Participants in this qualitative study the cohesion that the research wanted. were 36 middle class college students who have been chosen because of their Sampling Method exposure to Philippine politics and political leadership. The 36 students The researchers used the voluntary were from the undergraduate classes of response sampling method. Letters the researcher when he was still a lecturer were sent to the students for permission in three higher education institutions in to conduct the interviews at their most Manila, Philippines. These participants convenient time to elicit more natural represent the population of students responses. To ensure confidentiality, from the University of the Philippines students were asked to fill out forms Diliman, the Far Eastern University and to sign informed consent forms. Manila, and the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila. The participants’ Data generation age ranged from 17 to 21. They come from different year levels. All of them The data were arranged in a were to be first-time voters in the dendrogram to identify the most 2016 National Elections. All of the significant statements mentioned students are familiar with the concept by the participants. Moreover, the of national political leadership. dendrogram was used to list significant statements, categories of statements, Research Instruments and themes of the experiences and perceptions of students on PPT use. FI Focus interview (FI) guide and were organized per school to determine observation logs were used. The their musings. Letters were sent to the researcher conducted the interviews at students for permission to conduct the three higher educational institutions the focus group discussion at their in Manila, Philippines. Three guide most convenient time and venue to questions were prepared in order to give elicit more natural responses. FI data direction to the flow of the interviews: were subjected to “data reduction”: 1.What is your concept of national the researcher categorized and coded leadership? 2. What are the three only those parts that were deemed concepts of physical appeal that national significant to the study. Thematic leaders must possess? 3. Why were analysis was used. Meanings and these chosen? 4. If you do not think that relations of the utterances/texts were national leaders must possess appeals, related to the objectives and problems justify the reason. The researcher of the study.

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION “it is a facility to practice what one preaches.” Furthermore, they also This study focused on the college shared that leadership “is being able to students’ experiences and musings guide other people.” about leadership, its physical appeal components, and the discrepancies that Leadership is knowledge. they feel about the nature of leadership. Under the context of national politics, Leadership is also an exercise of the students were keen on identifying the accumulated understanding of a the concepts that they feel should be person. Twenty-seven students agreed present in leadership. that in order for leadership to emerge, there should be enough know-how on With the different responses of the how to operate a country. Stella, 20, students about what leadership is, mentioned that it is “having enough there emerged some commonalities of knowledge and advocacy to promote perceptions such as it being a skill, a an agenda.” Mond, 19, said that goal, an influence, an authority, and “leadership also means that a leader a form of knowledge. In this study, can encourage his followers to share two main themes emerged: leadership their ideas or knowledge that will as coming from within (skill and contribute to what project, agenda or knowledge) and leadership that comes problem the group is about to solve.” from outside forces (achieving goals, Miguel, 21, also supported the claim influence, and authority). by saying that leadership allows one to “identify problems and provide Leadership defined from “within” solutions. The leader knows how to handle different situations.” Leadership is a skill. Leadership defined by outside forces. Based on the answers of the students, leadership is perceived as an innate Leadership is achieving a set of skill. Twenty-nine out of the thirty- goals. six students claimed that in order for a leader to emerge in the sea of potential Twenty-nine out of the thirty-six chiefs of a nation. One of the students, students claimed that leadership is MJ, 19, said that a leader should be able being focused on the end product. For “to develop what their followers have Kris, 20, “leadership is defining the to offer to the group.” Most of them direction and goals of the organization, also said that leaders must be able to communicating it to the people who are motivate the followers in order to uplift part of the organization. It is leading potentials. Ann, 17, said that leadership people to the right path to achieve allows one to “give tasks that will the goals they wanted.” The students enhance their followers’ strengths.” It also mentioned that leadership entails was also a common sentiment among developing a vision and being focused twenty-four students that leadership on getting towards the direction of must be based on ability. Arnold, 18, success. It was also mentioned by claimed that leadership is “a capacity Dexter, 19, that “leadership is action” of a person to lead a certain group as leaders are able to take a stand so of people.” Sharmaine, 18, claimed, that a movement can be created. A

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common sentiment among twenty- what Arnold, 20, said: “it is doing eight students was that leadership is transformative authority.” “creating a movement” so that the group can be “results-driven.” Notions of Physical Appeal

Leadership is influence. The students were also asked to identify their perspectives regarding the appeal Thirty-two students agreed that of national leaders. Asked to name leadership enables others to follow three “appeals” that would make them instructions by means of persuasion trust leaders, the students’ responses and power. Boy, 20, thinks that “It is a can be categorized into three themes: process of social influence in which one outside/physical appeal, internal/trait- person can enlist the aid and support based appeal, and “no-effect appeal.” of others in the accomplishment of a Outside/physical appeals include common task.” Cindy, 19, claims, “It posture and poise, smile, clothing, and is an authoritative task that is about skin color. Internal/trait-based appeals pushing people to do their part in include grooming, neatness, decency, their group and observing the group’s and family background. Some students weaknesses and strengths as a group mentioned that appeal should not and as per each individual in the circle.” matter as records and connections Students also mentioned that the nature should be the basis for leadership. of the influence is not visible to only a small group as leadership should Appeal as physical beauty be a reflection of a certain society. (kagandahang-anyo) Maricel, 20, argued, “Leadership can be defined as a social influence process Posture and Poise by which one individual influences others towards the attainment of group All students mentioned that in order or organizational groups.” for a leader to exert him/herself, t requires good stance. For the students, Leadership is authority. a straight back when one talks and who does not slouch creates a sense of There is also a realization that respect. For Jose, 20, posture and poise leadership should be asserted. There “are important because a leader must is an agreement amongst thirty-two look like a formal and a well-respected students that it is asserting something person that the way he act and walk by means of election or agreement. must be fine.” Marlit, 19, argued that Tony, 20, stated, “leadership is serving “posture indicates our inner firmness, as a leader of a group or organization.” rigidity, flexibility or volatility and However, some students said that laxity or agility. Secondly, some authority in leadership must not be postures make our physical aspect abused, as there is an element of normal/active for working.” For positivity in it. Cherry, 19, claimed Anthony, 18, proper posture allows that leadership is “being authoritative one to “show how strong or how weak but also being considerate.” MJ, a person is. People may ask, “Is he 19, said, “it necessitates authority physically capable of doing tasks given in moderation.” There should also to a leader [or] Is he strong enough?” be an element of change just like Janice, 17, stated that posture “gives

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the notion of consistent confidence.” key in leadership as dressing up means defining the standards that they are Smile setting.”

Thirty-one students claimed that Skin Color leaders must always wear a smile. For them, a leader who always smiles Interestingly, twenty-two students connotes a positive outlook. It also have expressed that skin color can be says that the leader is approachable. a source of leadership. For them, it For Nina, 20, “it is also important for is not essential whether the leader is a leader to always wear a smile despite fair-skinned or dark-skinned. They of the inconvenience of the situation. want to eliminate the notion that fairer Followers will depend on him and individuals would be more suited to when they see a frustrated and confused become good leaders. For Cherry, leader, most likely they will lose their 20, “color/Complexion is a factor senses to strive for the task to be done.” especially the people who possess the Martin, 19, adds, “it contributes to the “kayumanggi” complexion. They look personality. The more smiling face he/ like “maka-masa” if they have brown she has, the friendlier he/she becomes.” skin.” This was countered by MJ, 20, Arlene, 18, claimed that “smiling is who said, “skin color is regarded as a approachability because the people very racial trait. So, it is the first thing need to know/think that their president that a person sees to others. From is down to earth and reachable, relate what I have observed [just an opinion] able. They need to know that she is just people judge others by their color and like one of them, tao, Pilipinong may thus creating notions of hierarchies.” pakialam.” Allan, 20, agreed that this racial determinism must be torn down as Clothing people with” darker skin tends to be judged as less respectable.” Twenty-nine students agreed that leaders must wear proper clothes. For Other physical attributes were named them, leaders must be concerned with but these did not come from the how they present themselves in public. majority of the respondents. Physical Since the leader is the representation appeal attributes that were mentioned of the people, s/he must be perceived include body language, facial structure, as physically neat. Jose, 17, claimed health, vocal clarity, and expressive that “if that leader is in rags and dirty eyes. clothing, then, surely, others will not find it convincing to follow him and let Non-physical Appeal as good him lead them.” Armie, 19, said, “a manners (kagandahang-asal) leader should have presentable attire. In this way, a leader can be respected Grooming because clothes reflect how he’ll lead.” Tony, 20, mentioned that “simplicity Thirty-two students mentioned that it is in clothing results to humility while important to establish good grooming exemplifying an extravagant lifestyle for a national leader. As a symbol of a is associated with corruption.” nation, the leader represents the people, Anthony, 18, argued that “fashion is they said. It would be appropriate for

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the chosen national leader to look his more decent a leader looks, the more best in any gathering. Aian, 20, said, recognizable that leader will be. People “grooming is associated to always will always distinguish and choose being ready to face the people. A leaders who have decorum.” Boy, 20, leader should look presentable and also uttered that “being decent looking appeals well –respected.” Leslie, 19, emphasizes authority. If one leader is also claimed “the members will be decent, then that leader can command encouraged to follow if the person respect.” Moreover, Sharmaine, 18, looks worthy to lead them.” Eric, 20, asserted, “decency is associated with asserted too that “leaders should be positive attitudes.” hygienic. They should be pleasant in front of people. You cannot trust Family background someone who cannot take care of himself. Lineage has also been mentioned as one of the indicators of leadership. For Neatness twenty-six students, an excellent family will always produce good leaders. For The students agreed on the notion that them, if there is innate goodness in a leaders need to be tidy in order for family’s name, then that would produce them to be perceived as good leaders. good leaders. Ann, 17, mentioned, Thirty students agreed that neatness is “physical appearance is brought about a sign of efficiency. They noted that if by their demographic background such the leaders would have the time and as family background, educational the capacity to take care of themselves, attainment, etc. It’s their experiences they would also show such trimness that contribute in the formation of their in their work. Dexter, 19, claimed, attitude.” Mond, 19, also commented, “if leaders are not presentable, they “if they come from a good family- a wouldn’t look respectable. So, no one prayerful one- then they could be good will follow them. They must be the leaders.” Janice, 17, also commented, first ones to set as good examples.” “I don’t believe that the facial features/ Arlene, 18, cited that “an individual physical concepts of a politician do doesn’t need to have a perfect face, affect his or her standing. Family what she needs is neatness to gain lineage is associated with their fame.” respect.” Furthermore, Tony, 20, said, “to look accountable, the leader must Other traits that were mentioned be presentable. Being presentable is by the students were respectability, also one way of showing that one is confidence, and approachability. trustworthy.” For them, these qualities would be necessary in order to assert themselves Decency to their people. They also cited that national leaders must be motivational, Thirty students mentioned that leaders charismatic, and young. need a sense of decency. For them, this covers politeness, courtesy, and proper Leadership as Capacity (kakayanan) decorum. The students agreed that and Connection (koneksyon) they look for properness in behavior since etiquette is expected among For some students, there is no reason Filipinos. Cindy, 19, claimed that “the why appeal should even be considered

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as a requirement for leadership. For President Estrada, Ramon Magsaysay, these students, the real reason why Cory Aquino or someone who is they would choose a leader would outstandingly smart and work efficient be about past performance, platform, like Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and and ideology. Oriel, 20, talking in Fidel Ramos. Yung koneksyon ang the vernacular, argued that “Hindi mahalaga (connection is important)” ito importante. Maliban na lamang Other students mentioned that media kung may malaking naitulong ito make leaders so would-be leaders sa kaalaman at kakayahan. Pero need their support. Alice, 20, claimed, napakababaw na dahilan na maging “media sometimes dictate who should basehan ang physical characteristics be the leader. Or someone who is sa pagpili ng iyong gustong kandidato. simply well known for his goodness Dagdag pa rito, binibigyang pansin or prominence in media becomes ko sa pagpili ng kandito ay ang elected.” kanilang track record, plataforma at mga ideolohiyang pinaniniwalaan. (It Overall, students have positive is not important. Not unless this helps perceptions about leadership. They, in the knowledge and capacity of the too, have constructive physical leader. It is still a shallow reason to attributes assigned to leaders. Because base votes on physical characteristics. the respondents of this study came from I look into track record, platforms, the Filipino middle class, their cultural and ideology more than looks.) Gen, and class-related sites have aided them 19, argued further, “physical features in these perceptions. This validates are not significant to the elections. I the UNICEF and Asian Institute of think that it is the candidate’s ideas Journalism and Communication (AIJC) and achievements that matters the report that media exposure and social most.” Alfred, 19, also claimed, “in networking help build the perceptions my opinion, physical appearance does of young Filipinos, especially those not matter when it comes to politicians that come from the National Capital. and leaders. I value their track record Moreover, this study supports the rather than physical traits.” findings of Sebastian (2013) when he said that constant communication with Some students also mentioned that other students in an off-line setting connections of leaders to other helps them in reproducing these components of society are vital to common sentiments, too. The students’ leadership. For Mel, 20, connections perceptions did not just simply emanate matter. He said, “Physical appearance from their innocent minds. They were is not a factor for voting for president informed by their exposure to media in the Philippines. I don’t recall any forms, immediate environments, and significantly good-looking president- their own social class. man or woman but I recall whom they were with. Therefore, it’s the Leadership as pang-labas (outside) connections that matter.” Aldrin, 18, and pang-loob (inside) also shared the same sentiment by highlighting that “people vote for This study supports the findings of someone whom they think is their Hogg (2001) when he claimed that “kakampi” (ally) and claims to help leadership perceptions of students are them forward their cause such as positive because leaders are idealized

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in their immediate environment. experiences, and philosophies. The Similarly, in this study, it is claimed results of the study also support the that students would have positive findings that students’ notions on definitions because their education leadership were based on previously and their social class would highlight assumed leadership philosophies. Since the modeled and consensual traits in the study is somewhat grounded, their various forms and means. The students’ notions of leadership may have been definitions of leadership as charismatic, values of their role models and internal empowering, and harmonizing belief systems in assuming the nature concepts were informed by their social of leadership. Furthermore, they have condition. For these Filipino students, developed leadership philosophies leadership is not circumstantial. They such as leadership as a position and a perceive that skills and knowledge are management role. internal requirements for leadership to exist. There is also a need to consider It also appears that morals and values outside forces like goal achievement, that shape the internal conditions of authority, and influence as part of the the Filipinos were the basis of the make-up. This seems to point that definitions. Having mentioned that leadership must come from within and leadership is a combination of internal should also be an attribution from the factors such as skills and knowledge and community. external factors such as leadership by means of goals, influence and authority The results of this study, however, as perceived by followers; the students counter the findings of Ford and think that the value of leadership rests Kiran (2008) especially when they on empowerment that a person feels claimed that teamwork is no longer an from her own kalooban that the kapwa expectation from the voters when they see. This study, therefore, supports think of national leaders. In this study, the findings of Covar (1993) when he the Filipino students mentioned that claimed that Filipinos have internal in order to transform the nation, there and external consideration in defining is an expectation that leadership must pagkataong Pilipino. have influence and authority to achieve a certain goal. Leadership as “kagandahang anyo” (physical beauty) Interestingly, the findings of this study also support Sobritchea (2000) There are students who have clear when she argued that leadership is notions of the physical attributes a participatory process. For her, “an that leaders must possess. It appears effective leader has listening and that Filipino students also have the attending skills and is able to foster an impression that physical appearance, atmosphere of openness and mutual when mediated by appearance-related respect” (p.10). Both Sobritchea’s social skills, can better define leaders. findings and this paper’s results argue Perhaps because the students’ notion of that leadership has its transformative an idealized leader has been shaped by nature. Moreover, in this current study, different exposures to various media the source of transformative leadership forms, the students see a relationship comes from how the students define between the presentation skills of leadership from their internal beliefs, the national leaders and their level

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of physical attractiveness. Although as part of the social characteristics of no names were mentioned during the leadership. Kagandahan was more of course of the interview when it comes a panloob na anyo rather than what is to who they perceive is a physically flaunted to a public. appealing leader, there are certain attributes that they think should Students, in this current study, seem to emerge. have that notion, too. They mentioned that it is expected that leaders should be Although this current study is neat and decent since they are always perception-based, the findings of asked to be present in gatherings. Riggio and Riggio (2010) are also For them, leaders will be socially evident on this research. The students acceptable if they are virtuous in the have mentioned certain facial qualities eyes of the people. They expect leaders like smiles and eyes as part of the facial to be ethically abiding citizens more qualities associated with competence. than being fashionable and fabulous. The students demand that leaders smile a lot since this is a non-verbal that is Counter narratives on leadership highly associated to non-threatening and physical appeal behavior. Sincerity is also attributed to good eye contact and a smiling There were students who thought that face. Furthermore, the mentioned physical attributes should never be facial qualities are strong signs of equated to leadership. As mentioned in trustworthiness. In effect, the students the results, these respondents think that have perceived that appearance-based good records via past performance, attributes can be related to success in platform, and ideology, and connections leadership. These findings run parallel with media and other politicians would with the claims of Little (2012) when be necessary for politicians to become he pointed out that there are evidences great national leaders. linking physical appearance to occupational success. These accounts seem to point to the tensions of deconstructing notions of Leadership as “kagandahang asal” leadership in the Philippines. the one (good manners) hand, there are those who think that leadership has physical and ethical The study also found that students manifestations. On the other hand, perceive physical appeal as some others hold that leadership should synonymous to cultural leadership never be viewed from the vantage strategies. For most of those who were point of beauty and appeal but rather interviewed, leaders are attractive on performance and connections. It if they possess qualities such as appears that both camps are proof grooming, neatness, decency, and the presence of negotiated leadership a good family background. These images that stem from the narratives findings support the claim of Roffey of the students. Counter discourses (2000) when she studied the cultural like this need to be cultivated and norms of Filipina leaders a decade and nurtured, too. This is because at the a half ago. Interestingly, in the course level of discourse, inequality and of Roffey’s interviews, no physical misrepresentations occur (Sobritchea, appearance component was mentioned 2005).

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Although there was no direct mention leaders are seen as individuals who of gendered forms of the physicality of have good manners or kagandahang leaders, it would appear that Sobritchea asal that include neatness, decency, and (2001) was correct in saying that a good family background. Some other constructs of Filipinos are guided by students did not agree to the notion that social class. This appears to be part of physical appeal must be associated to the struggle to recreate the discourse leadership. They argued, however, that of leadership in the country. Perhaps, leadership should be based on capacity although it is not part of the objectives and connection. of the paper, a closer scrutiny on the gender construct of appeal and In this study, perceptions of leadership leadership can be undertaken to see, are slanted towards the positive. question, and counter the persistence of Although the students were given a traditionally patriarchal construction the free hand to discuss the negative of a leader in the Philippines. Looking constructs of physical appeal, they at the problem of inequality from the never did so. It appears that, for them, level of discourse among students can leaders are sources of transformation be a source of data to slaughter the and inspiration so they have mentioned “othering” of women. Representations only good constructs. Moreover, the and constructions of leadership, musings revealed that constructs of therefore, must always be scrutinized. physical appearance and traits are intertwined for the students. Despite CONCLUSION the fact that the guide questions were asking physical attributes that they Perceptions are powerful sources of associate to leadership, they discussed narratives. They are sites of awareness, leadership qualities and traits such constructs, and discourse. Musings were as grooming, neatness, decency, used in this study to look at the constructs approachability, and the like. of physical appeal and leadership among college students from three higher It is, therefore, the argument of educational institutions in the Metro the researcher that physical appeal Manila Area. By thematically analyzing should be discussed as a component the musings of the students, the research of leadership. There is a need to found premises and concepts that are empirically study the concepts of associated by these select groups of physical attributes and appeal in middle class students on leadership the Philippine setting to strengthen and physical appeal. Leadership can be the literature on such a connection. seen from “within” the person - skills Future research on this topic must and knowledge. Leadership, too, can be acknowledge the variations of seen as attributed from “outside” forces perceptions among social classes, such as goals, influence, and authority. gender, and age group. Research on the Leaders are expected to possess effect of physical appeal to leadership physical beauty or kagandahang anyo in private and public organizations that include posture and poise, smile, may also be done via experimentations clothing, and skin color. Moreover, to control the variables.

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