BizNews

How to cope when your values clash with your co-workers’

Self-disclosure helped boost engagement among value minorities by increasing the respect they anticipated from their colleagues, the results showed.

Published

2 years ago

October 16, 2023

KickstartMag Staff

In our increasingly polarized society, more people may find themselves in a workplace where they are one of the few conservatives or few liberals around.

A new study found that those whose values – political or otherwise – don’t match the majority in their organization felt they received less respect and as a result were less engaged at work. Moreover, their co-workers noticed their lack of engagement.

“It is a real issue that organizations face,” said Tracy Dumas, lead author of the study and associate professor of management and human resources at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business.

“Organizations know that it is valuable to have employees with different perspectives. But if those with different perspectives feel they aren’t respected and so aren’t fully participating in their jobs, organizations aren’t fully reaping the benefits of their unique perspectives.”

But the study did find a way that “value minorities” could feel more a part of their teams: by disclosing personal information about themselves to their colleagues that had nothing to do with the values about which they disagreed.

The study was published recently in the journal Organization Science.

“Value minorities” were defined as those whose core beliefs involving politics, religion or other important areas of life clash with the majority of people in their organizations.

Dumas emphasized that the study examined values, not opinions. Values can inform opinions, but values are harder to change because they are embedded in the person’s sense of self – they transcend individual issues.

The researchers conducted studies among full-time adult employees in an online setting, a student project group that worked together over a semester, and undergraduate students in the laboratory, all with similar results. The study of 389 full-time workers was conducted online. Participants read a workplace scenario where they imagined themselves working closely with colleagues of the same rank on a workgroup. Some were told that their values clashed with co-workers on issues like communal responsibility, individual liberty, and safety and security. Others were told their values were similar.

To get at the importance of self-disclosure, some were told they often talked with colleagues about non-work topics like what they did over the weekend, including spending time with a friend, trying a new restaurant in town and talking about their favorite things on the menu. Others were told that they rarely discussed personal topics and usually only talked about work. Both groups were told they did not discuss their personal values. All participants then reported if they felt their colleagues would respect them on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).

Participants were then told about an important group meeting coming up in which they would be discussing how to secure a new and important client. Participants rated how much they believed they would be engaged in the meeting through statements like “I would exert my full effort” and “My mind would be focused while completing work in my group.”

The results showed the importance of self-disclosure in helping value minorities perform better in the workplace, Dumas said.

Those in the minority who were told that they shared information about their personal life – such as what they did over the weekend – anticipated feeling more engaged than those value minorities in the non-disclosure condition.

Self-disclosure helped boost engagement among value minorities by increasing the respect they anticipated from their colleagues, the results showed.

Similar results were found among 277 undergraduate students working in real-life teams who were surveyed three times in a seven-week period over one semester. They were surveyed about their values, and how much they felt their values clashed with others on their team. They also reported on the respect they felt from others on their teams and how much they talked about themselves.

All the findings revealed in the lab experiment were also found in this real-life work group. One key here was that team members rated how engaged each person was on their team project.

“We found that others on the team noticed that people whose values clashed with the majority didn’t engage as much in the work of the group,” Dumas said. “But that negative effect was lessened if the value minorities talked about themselves in the group.”

The key in all the studies was the importance of people talking about themselves in the workplace – not about areas where they disagree, but just about their everyday life experiences.

“What happens is that when people talk about themselves, they feel more respected – and they feel invested in the success of the group, they feel engaged,” she said.

Dumas said self-disclosure helps because it “humanizes” value minorities to the group.

People may feel uncomfortable being a part of a work group that doesn’t share their values, she said. But if they pick out something they do feel comfortable sharing with the group, it can create a connection.

“When you talk about your family or the movies you like or what you did this week, it shows you’re a whole person, you’re not just defined by the difficult areas where you disagree,” she said. “Even if you don’t agree with others on your favorite movies, or what restaurants you like, that’s not a difficult conversation to have.”

One of the best parts of using self-disclosure to help value minorities feel more respected and engaged in the workplace is that they don’t need any management intervention to make it happen.

“If you’re a value minority, you’re not at the mercy of your manager to make things better. Self-disclosure is a step that you can take to mitigate the negative effects of feeling that you’re in the minority,” Dumas said.

Importantly, however, the paper notes the importance of organizations creating an environment where people feel comfortable disclosing.

Dumas conducted the study with Robert Lount, professor of management and human resources at Ohio State’s Fisher College, and Sarah Doyle, who received her PhD at Ohio State’s Fisher College and is now an assistant professor at the University of Arizona.

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Mercato Centrale, College of Saint Benilde launch micro-certification program to upskill MSMEs in food sector

Developed through the collaboration of Mercato Centrale’s entrepreneurship platform and CSB’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM), the courses aim to equip both aspiring and existing food entrepreneurs with the tools to build sustainable, growth-oriented businesses.

Published

3 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

KickstartMag Staff

Mercato Centrale Group, the country’s premier food and lifestyle market, has partnered with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) to roll out micro-certification courses aimed at strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food industry.

The program will offer short courses covering food business management, marketing strategies, financial literacy, and culinary innovation. Developed through the collaboration of Mercato Centrale’s entrepreneurship platform and CSB’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM), the courses aim to equip both aspiring and existing food entrepreneurs with the tools to build sustainable, growth-oriented businesses. The program is expected to launch in the coming months and will be open to home-based food vendors, market stall owners, and individuals entering the food industry.

The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on March 26, 2025, at the Vatel Restaurant within the CSB campus. The signing ceremony was attended by RJ Ledesma and Vanessa Ledesma of Mercato Centrale; DLS-CSB Chancellor Benhur Ong; SHRIM Dean Marie Paz Castro; and Vice Chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson.

“Almost 99.5% of businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs, and a large number of them are in the food industry,” said RJ Ledesma, co-founder of Mercato Centrale. “Our mission has always been to champion local food entrepreneurs by providing them with the right platform and support. Through this partnership with CSB, we’re taking that commitment further by giving MSMEs access to quality education and training—tools that can help them sustain and grow their businesses. With what we’ve built at Mercato, we have a real opportunity to contribute to making these businesses more sustainable. This initiative also reflects our Lasallian mission of service.”

Under the agreement, the partnership will roll out a comprehensive set of academic and industry-focused initiatives. These include student internships across Benilde’s hospitality and entrepreneurship programs, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world business environments. Selected courses will be micro-credentialed to better align academic offerings with the operational needs of the food and hospitality sector. Faculty and associates from both institutions will also participate in immersion and exposure trips to gain deeper insights into industry practices.

To further enrich learning, Mercato Centrale and DLS-CSB will co-host data analytics workshops and seminars that draw from Mercato’s field experience—equipping students, faculty, and the broader public with a deeper understanding of market trends and consumer behavior. Students will also take part in project-based learning alongside Mercato, solving real-world entrepreneurial challenges. These will be supported by mentorship-led class enrichment programs that bridge academic theory with practical application.

The collaboration marks a strategic alliance between two institutions committed to empowering the next generation of Filipino food entrepreneurs through accessible, experience-driven education.

For updates on enrollment and course offerings, follow Mercato Centrale on Facebook and @mercatocentraleph on Instagram

BizNews

Asahi Appliances taps TikTok Shop

By tapping into TikTok Shop’s unique ACE Indicator System—Assortment, Content, and Empowerment—Asahi Appliances has modernized its approach while staying true to its legacy.

Published

2 months ago

March 27, 2025

KickstartMag Staff

For over four decades, Asahi Appliances has been a household name in the Philippines, known for its durable electric fans and a broad range of home appliances. Now, the brand has found new momentum in the digital marketplace through TikTok Shop, achieving remarkable growth in the latter part of 2024. By tapping into TikTok Shop’s unique ACE Indicator System—Assortment, Content, and Empowerment—Asahi Appliances has modernized its approach while staying true to its legacy.

Asahi Appliances saw a surge in sales, growing 2,700% year-over-year from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024, and 56.5% quarter-on-quarter from Q3 2024 to Q4 2024. The 11.11 Paskong Panalo Sale played a key role in this momentum, driving sales nearly six (6) times higher than the 10.10 sale that same year.

Reinventing Success with Digital Innovation

Asahi Appliances’s success on TikTok Shop exemplifies how local and heritage brands can thrive in a rapidly evolving digital space. The platform’s ACE Indicator System, which guides sellers in optimizing their assortment, enhancing content, and empowering campaigns, played a central role in this transformation. By refining its product offerings, creating engaging livestreams, and maximizing ad placements, Asahi Appliances connected with a new generation of online consumers.

“TikTok Shop has given us a platform to bring our products and story to life in a way that truly resonates with today’s audience,” said Eunice T. Sy, Vice President of Asahi Appliances. “This has been an opportunity to not just sell, but to engage with our customers on a deeper level, offering them value while staying true to the quality that has defined us since 1982.”

The Power of Assortment and Engagement

Through TikTok Shop, Asahi Appliances curated exclusive offers, including discounts, bundles, and Buy 1 Get 1 deals, tailored to its audience’s preferences. This strategy drove substantial growth, with gross merchandise value (GMV) increasing by 130% quarter-on-quarter. The brand also embraced TikTok Shop’s tools, such as the Shipping Fee Program and Bonus Cashback Program, to create a seamless and appealing shopping experience.

Complementing these efforts was a robust content strategy that featured daily livestreams and collaborations with creators. During major campaigns like 11.11, the brand extended livestream durations to seven hours, engaging customers in real time and significantly increasing impressions. These efforts translated into a 361% year on year growth in livestream sales, with product impressions surging 387% quarter-on-quarter.

Building Trust in E-Commerce

Asahi Appliances’s journey on TikTok Shop reflects the broader value of operating within a safe and trustworthy e-commerce ecosystem. TikTok Shop ensures compliance with Philippine laws, including requiring Philippine Standards (PS) Licenses or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certifications for regulated products. These measures provide assurance to both sellers and consumers, reinforcing the integrity of the platform.

“Trust is the foundation of any thriving digital marketplace,” said Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead of TikTok Shop Philippines. “At TikTok Shop, we go beyond driving growth. We are committed to building a secure and transparent ecosystem where brands like Asahi Appliances can thrive, and consumers can shop with confidence, knowing they are protected by the highest standards of compliance.”

Globally, TikTok Shop has invested over USD 500 million in safety initiatives, including the development of tools to identify and remove non-compliant products. Programs like the TikTok Shop Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Report further demonstrate its commitment to fostering a secure marketplace.

A Blueprint for Filipino Excellence

Asahi Appliances’s transformation on TikTok Shop is more than just a business success; it is a testament to the potential of Filipino enterprise in the digital age. By blending innovation with heritage, the brand has demonstrated how traditional businesses can adapt to the demands of a new market while preserving their identity.

“This isn’t just about growing sales; it’s about showing what Filipino craftsmanship can achieve when paired with the right tools,” Sy added. “TikTok Shop has been an invaluable partner in this journey, helping us share our story with customers who value quality and authenticity.”

To explore Asahi Appliances’s innovative offerings and see how they’re embracing the digital marketplace, visit their official TikTok Shop.

BizNews

5 Trends shaping the future of online selling

The consumer ecommerce market is expected to approach $6 trillion by 2027, according to the International Trade Administration, up from roughly $4 trillion in 2024.

Published

2 months ago

March 27, 2025

KickstartMag Staff

Thanks to the explosion of ecommerce over the past couple decades, consumers can find virtually any product or service they can think of online. In fact, the consumer ecommerce market is expected to approach $6 trillion by 2027, according to the International Trade Administration, up from roughly $4 trillion in 2024.

A diverse collection of product segments is driving this growth, including everything from fashion and furniture to food and beverage. While major marketplace retailers still lead the category, ecommerce has become commonplace among small businesses, too. In fact, by the end of 2023, an estimated 80% of small businesses had at least basic ecommerce capabilities, according to a report by Digital Commerce 360.

However, small businesses are grappling with challenges such as inflation, supply chain issues and keeping pace with major retailers, among others, that are driving a variety of ecommerce trends in 2025 and beyond, including:

Video Content

Spurred by social media, video content is in high demand on ecommerce sites, too. Videos that explain how to use products, offer tips for using them and demonstrate projects that were completed using a product all earn favor with shoppers. In addition, videos that highlight product features, video reviews on social media and “live shopping events” on the social channels of ecommerce retailers can provide a more appealing interactive experience for shoppers.

Inclusive of the “live shopping events” trends, livestreaming is often popular among consumers as it can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out), leading to enhanced brand loyalty and engagement. Short-form videos sweeping social media also drive engagements and offer a quick, appealing way to demonstrate new or popular products.

Personalized Products

Ecommerce provides opportunities for shoppers who appreciate buying products that are uniquely their own. Online buying platforms that allow for customization of products such as shoes, clothing and drinkware can create buyer engagement and earn loyal shoppers who know they can purchase the items they want exactly to their own specifications.

In fact, a survey by McKinsey Insights found 80% of loyal customers prefer shopping with brands that offer tailored choices and personalized experiences. From color selection and accessories to performance variations, custom options can help create a highly personalized shopping experience that allow buyers to interact more directly than they would for a standardized transaction.

Beyond the initial purchase, customized reports and shipping notifications are also becoming the norm. Shippers can alert customers to their products’ delivery status – including any delays or changes – via email, text, video message or, in some cases, a customizable dashboard where consumers can view incoming shipments tied to their account or address, request a different delivery time or location, pre-sign for packages and more.

Micro Purchasing Moments

You may think phenomena like impulse buys or convenience purchases are reserved for brick-and-mortar stores, but micro-purchasing trends suggest otherwise. These purchases are typically made by someone looking for a quick solution or information in a hurry from a mobile device, such as comparing two or more similar products and clicking a “buy now” link, ordering and paying for food ahead of time to skip the line, making a hotel or excursion reservation while traveling or looking up movie showtimes and purchasing tickets from the same page. Ecommerce sites that can establish themselves as a resource, make information easy to digest and simplify the purchasing process are earning customers (and revenue).

Flexible Payment Options

Online purchases were once limited almost exclusively to credit card purchases, but over time, businesses have granted greater flexibility to shoppers when it comes to collecting payment. While this trend has been growing for several years, many contemporary ecommerce sites now accept credit or debit cards, online checks, digital wallet and mobile payment services, cryptocurrency and even installment payments via third-party providers. By 2029, the third-party payment market is expected to almost double from $62.5 billion in 2024, according to findings from Mordor Intelligence.

Simplified Shipping Options

Evolving technology isn’t just improving the browsing and purchasing side of ecommerce; shipping operations are also seeing enhancements. For example, ShipAccel, a digital platform designed by Pitney Bowes, simplifies and enhances shipping operations with advanced ecommerce technology. The platform empowers early ecommerce brands to ship like larger companies with access to discounted carrier rates; more than 80 integrations including leading marketplaces, data and insights to help make smarter shipping decisions; branded tracking; and return capabilities. It features a collection of apps, widgets and application programming interfaces to easily configure new workflows and seamlessly meet the demands of business growth.

“As ecommerce becomes a mainstay, shippers must take a technology-first approach, utilizing platforms that can grow along with the business and partnering with providers who offer deep expertise in the segment,” said Shemin Nurmohamed, president of Sending Technology Solutions at Pitney Bowes. “As a result of using technology like ShipAccel, ecommerce shippers can save money, enhance operational efficiencies and delight customers – all of which support the business’ bottom line.”