Tikanga Māori - Lessons in Leading

Abstract

This paper explores leadership through the traditional beliefs of the Māori peoples of New Zealand. The indigenous peoples of New Zealand provide a unique opportunity to learn and understand a traditional island value system that has experienced a resurgence among its people and is now being considered among the Pākehā (non- Māori) of the island. This paper calls attention to tikanga Māori, “the Māori way”, outside of New Zealand and draws comparisons to virtue ethics and leading. Studying tikanga Māori should prompt western leaders to reflect upon their own value systems and leadership experiences.