Bi-cultural confidence is the foundation of successful cultural diversity and inclusion in any organisation, says Founder of Indigenous Growth Limited Michael Moka.
Michael is facilitating Diversity Works New Zealand’s newest workshop, Foundations of Bi-culturally Confident Organisations.
Evidence shows that Māori people are still under-represented in senior leadership of organisations and over-represented in poor employment outcomes, and Michael is passionate about giving forward-thinking New Zealand organisations the opportunity to change those statistics and help Māori (and inevitably people of all cultures) grow.
This workshop will also show organisations a new way of doing business based on Māori values, he says.
The whānau, hapu and iwi model offers tools and concepts that, if integrated into everyday ways of working, provide a unique way establish connections and relationships. Strengthening the bi-cultural foundation of an organisation will help it to utilise the hidden potential of all its people, Michael says.
“If we can get the people of this land to bring their whole selves to work, it will lead the way for other cultures.”
The Māori values of family, sub-tribes and tribes are universal amongst collective cultures, even if the customs and protocols are different, he explains. Reflecting on this can be useful for Māori staff as well, as the framework and values people live by are innate.
“Many of them won’t even realise what’s driving what they do and how they think.”
A better understanding of these concepts will help organisations better engage with iwi, Michael says.
“Before you look at what services or products you are providing to an indigenous organisation, you need to understand what’s important to them.”
This three-hour workshop is an ideal introduction to bi-cultural confidence for all people leaders, HR professionals, employees new to New Zealand or those who grew up here who would like to learn more. Michael will be supported at the sessions by kaumatua (elders). The workshop will be held in Auckland on 23 November.
