Hawaiian institutions, Hawaiian values, the Hawaiian workplace
By Peter Apo
It would be a reasonable assumption to expect that the operating cultures of our most prominent Hawaiian institutions would be driven by Hawaiian values. That fundamental to a Hawaiian institution would be a Hawaiian values-based management system that shaped the behavior of the work force in a way that defined that institution as being uniquely Hawaiian. Our institutions are the standard-bearers that define, for the larger community, who we are and what we stand for. Should not each institution deliberately adopt a set of Hawaiian values and incorporate them into their operating culture as fundamental to their governance and administration?
But auwē, it seems that most Hawaiian organizations are conflicted and challenged by the profound and difficult task of incorporating Hawaiian values into their operating culture for perhaps a number of reasons. One reason might be they don’t equate Hawaiian values as an important management tool relevant to efficient and high-quality production systems. Another might be they struggle with how to design a values-driven operating culture in ways that the return on investment can be measured. Or, it could be because most of us have been so well-indoctrinated into mainstream mainland workplace culture it’s just too big a stretch to change the paradigm. It’s more familiar and easier to simply keep perpetuating the sometimes draconian plantation-like workplace systems of those who colonized us. Or, perhaps they don’t think about it at all. My observation is that some of our institutions do make an effort to incorporate Hawaiian values in their mission statements and employee handbooks and have posters made to hang in the coffee room. It’s a cosmetic approach that is well-meaning but only skin-deep.
A Hawaiian institution should be a joyful place to work. It should be a place we go to celebrate the work we do on behalf of the Hawaiian people. The fact is that a well-managed Hawaiian values-driven operating system will outstrip any other production system in quality of service or product. It empowers and inspires employees. It makes them proud of what they do and how they do it. It produces far less conflict, more predictable behavior and strengthens relationships. Everyone, Hawaiian or not, is treated equally and with respect. It unifies the organization in profound ways and makes going to work feel like a privilege and an honor.
If I have piqued even a little bit of your interest, here’s a simple set of Hawaiian values to get started. Aloha is an overarching Hawaiian value through which all other values are refracted. Accepting responsibility for our friends, family and colleagues, and making the world a better place. Kuleana, to view responsibility as a privilege and honor. To accept responsibility as a duty, not in pursuit of reward, but because it is the right thing to do. Hanohano is to conduct oneself with distinction, honor and dignity. Hoʻomau speaks to perseverance, endurance and staying committed to completing a difficult task. Hoʻohiki is about keeping your promises. A pledge or oath. A commitment to doing what you say you’re going to do. Poʻokela is to strive for excellence. To set your sights on the highest level of achievement. Kōkua is the act of being helpful. To provide relief by assisting others in completing a task. Kūpono is about uncompromising honesty. To be fair and just in your relationships. Laulima is the condition of cooperation that causes everyone to work together toward a common goal. It is about many hands working together without attention to rank or position so that one person’s success is everyone’s success.