LEADERSHIP STYLE: WESTERN -VS- MELANESIAN

BY BRYAN KRAMER

In recent days I've noticed there has been much discussion on social media comparing the leadership style between myself and Governor of East Sepik Allan Bird in relation to the Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's visit to our Provinces.

While some have tried to explain it in the context of Melanesian versus Western style leadership, what most don't realize is that both have a lot more in common than they think.

Anthropologist (people who study various aspects of humans within past and present societies) describe Melanesian Hausman as very important institutions where cultural values and norms were taught by elders to sustain the Melanesian people over the decades and centuries.

They emphasis that Hausman are bases of governance, politics, culture, law and order, education, and address political, social and cultural issues of the society.

Hausman are chaired by chiefs and headmen who maintained social order, and law and order sustaining the people’s needs. Decisions passed in the Hausman were respected and implemented for good governance.

Now it all kind of sounds very familiar doesn't it? Like the role of the Western Government system.

Under a Melanesian Hausman would a con corrupt person be bestowed a chief or considered a leader or respected?

The short answer is NO.

They would find it impossible to assume important leadership positions in Melanesian culture because everyone in the village grew up with them so there was no way they could have conned their way in. Further still Hausman system would have filtered them out.

It is only through the western democratic system where the majority of the population are not as informed about a person's true character affords corrupt conmen the opportunity to lie, steal and cheat their way into office.

No Melanesian culture would respect corrupt conniving deceitful people.

I consider Allan Bird a good friend and respected national leader which probably explains why the picture below depicts him walking with his head down feeling ashamed to be seen walking in company of Peter O'Neill.

The people I fight for aren't living a western life style but those most in need, who are disadvantaged and marginalized - living in remote rural villages and settlements.

Pasin trutru blong Hausman em lo Tokaut Tokstret na tu ino ples long luksave na respectim ol stil na kon man.