The role of culture and identity for economic values: a quantitative study of Māori attitudes

Abstract

This paper draws on Te Rangahau o Te Tuakiri Māori me Ngā Waiaro ā-Pūtea | The Māori Identity and Financial Attitudes Study (MIFAS). The MIFAS is a nationwide study that examines the relationship between Māori identity and economic attitudes and values. The MIFAS embeds the Multidimensional Model of Māori Identity and Cultural Engagement (MMM-ICE), which assesses Māori identity in relation to eight domains. We report data regarding three aspects of economic activity: risking iwi (tribal) assets for profit; individualism at work; and preferences for workplaces that promote Māori culture and identity. We find Māori who are more strongly oriented towards a traditional Māori belief system are less likely to be individualistic at work, more likely to prefer workplaces that respect Māori development and less likely to support commercialising iwi assets. We also find marked heterogeneity and suggest ‘Māori success as Māori’ may not solely reflect ‘traditional’ Māori values.