Dean Ronald Mendoza reacts to webinar “Preferred Filipino Leaders and the Choices we Make”

Last 21 April 2022, the Ateneo Center for Organization Research and Development (CORD) held a webinar entitled “Preferred Filipino Leaders and the Choices we Make”, led by Dr. Edna Franco of the Ateneo de Manila University. Dean Ronald Mendoza, PhD of the Ateneo School of Government gave his insights on the study presented in the webinar. 

The talk focused on Dr. Franco’s research on the preferred qualities of Filipino leaders and how these may influence candidate choice, with the aim of drawing insights for strategies on improved voter education and awareness. 

Results of the study found that Filipinos are more likely to vote for candidates that people and figures important to them would vote for, even if this is contrary to their personal beliefs; furthermore, perceived behavioral control has more impact on the intent to vote. This was corroborated by reactor Dean Ronald Mendoza, who gave insights on herd behavior and how this is apparent in voting patterns of Filipinos. 

The session also had Dr. Jean Encinas-Franco and Dr. Benito Teehankee as reactors, who touched on several topics including the gender expectations of candidate traits and the role of education and media in promoting critical thinking in the voting public. You may watch the session on the Ateneo CORD’s Facebook page, through this link: https://fb.watch/cwVxTxzD-c/