Capitalising on Diversity: Espousal of Māori Values in the Workplace

This study investigated the relationship between organisational espousal of cultural group values and organisational commitment and citizenship behaviours. The study focused on Māori employees, and their perceptions of the extent to which their organisation espoused some of the central values of Te Ao Māori (the Māori world), specifically manaakitanga (caring), whakawhanaungatanga (relationships), wairuatanga (spirituality), auahatanga (creativity) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Furthermore, the role of identification with the Māori culture was investigated as a potential moderator of the relationship between organisational espousal of each of the Māori values and the outcome variables. The methodology was tested in a sample of 91 Māori employees from Māori-led organisations. The participants completed an anonymous online survey. The data was analysed using moderated hierarchical regression analysis. Organisational espousal of the composite Māori values wairuatanga and whakamana tangata was reciprocated with organisational commitment. Although no significant main effects were found with respect to Māori values and organisational citizenship behaviours the interaction of identification with Māori culture with Māori values influenced this outcome; those with lower identification with Māori culture, and who also perceived that their organisation did not espouse Māori values, reported lower levels of organisational citizenship behaviours. Taken together, the results suggest that organisations benefit in being aware of, and incorporating values of the cultural groups represented in the workforce with their overall practices, as this is manifested in higher commitment and citizenship behaviours among employees.