I work in a mid-size manufacturing plant in Virginia Beach, Virginia. We manufacture cables, electrical harnesses and ancillary electrical equipment for some of the big names in various industries.

Our assembler workforce is primarily Filipino. I found the people as a whole extremely hard working and provides the highest quality of craft.

I am a manager for the company. It has taken me years to develop a rapport with many of the assemblers. Between the language barrier — many of the older workers speak little English — and a general sheepishness toward people perceived as an authority figure has been a stumbling block.

After thirteen years, I am making headway through my humor and laid-back attitude.

I served in the Navy with many Filipinos who were good sailors.

That was my first experience with the culture.

I am getting to my question in which you might provide some answers.

I have always understood the Filipino Government to be a dictatorship and assume that might influence the distrust and sheepish attitude towards those in management.

Is that a possible reason for some of the reactions you have observed in your analysis with the article?

I do not see the same attitude in the 2nd generation Filipinos.