Māori Business Concepts

Māori Culture Holistic in nature Embodies Physical, Psychological, Spiritual and Community Wellbeing Māori worldview uses mythology to make sense of the world – This is an example that combines the physical world with the spiritual. Whānau (Family) is important. Mihi (your background story) to introduce yourself Walls of Marae show ancestry.

Pūtake The origin or reason for being. While most Māori businesses are there to make a profit, many have different reasons for being, associated with collectively-owned resources. A multiple bottom-line, where cultural, spiritual, environmental and economic goals are mentioned in their mission statements. Some Māori businesses try to promote Māori culture and language as part of its business.

Tūranga The positioning or anchor of a business. How they set themselves up. “In setting up and selecting the type of legal structure for an organisation, it is important to clearly know the intended purpose of that structure. For example, if Māori land is the core asset, because this land will never be sold, for either legal or tikanga reasons, the organisation will not be able to make trading decisions following usual commercial models. This can make running a Māori organisation particularly challenging.” http://governance.tpk.govt.nz/why/dimensions.aspx

Tikanga Māori values that Māori businesses operate by.

Kaitiakitanga Guardianship of Natural Resources Protect resources for future generations. In business this might look like: Succession planning in family businesses Programmes which help the natural environment The importance of geneology within the Maori culture. Respecting your ancestors and keeping resources sustainable for future generations.

Rangatiratanga The exercise of leadership, authority, guardianship and ownership rights. In business, this includes strategic development, developing relationships and problem solving. CEO making decisions in the best interests of all stakeholders Identifying opportunities and threats and making the most out of these for your business.

Tino Rangatiratanga Self-determination, ownership and active control. In business this could look like: Having responsibility for individual parts of the business. Being responsible for group key performance indicators Taking responsibility for mistakes or errors.

Manaakitanga The ethic of caring, being warm and hospitable to your hosts. In business this may look like: Providing a safe, comfortable workplace. Developing positive relationships within the workplace. Whenever you have guests for a meeting, providing food & drink, making them feel at home.