Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 1, 1 January 2011 — Hawaiian institutions, Hawaiian values, the Hawaiian workplace [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiian institutions, Hawaiian values, the Hawaiian workplace

t's 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 val-ues-based management system that shaped the behavior of the workforce 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.

Hawaiian values are an important management tool relevant to efficient and high quality production systems. Hawaiian organizations ean design a values-driven operating culture in ways that the return on investment ean be measured. When an organization takes the time to guide their work force toward sharing a eommon set of values the result is a more cohesive, harmonious productive group. Shared values ensure that everyone is treated equally and with respect, unifying the organization - especially during stressful times. Values help the work flow more smoothly at all levels because people know what they ean expect from eaeh other. A Hawaiian institution should be a joyful plaee to work. It should be a plaee 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 whieh all other values are refracted. It is

accepting responsibility for our friends, family, and colleagues and making the world a better plaee. Kuleana means 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. Ho'omau speaks to perse-

verance, endurance, and staying committed to completing a difficult task. Ho'ohiki is about keeping your promises. An unspoken pledge or oath, it is a commitment to doing what you say you're going to do. Po 'okela is to strive for excellenee, 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 eommon goal. It is about many hands working together without attention to rank or position so that one person's success is everyone's success. Let us all, individual or institution, laulima — work together to move Hawai'i forward and make this a better plaee for everyone. In 2011, let us make a conscious decision to incorporate shared Hawaiian values into the work plaee. Together, we ean strive in dignity and with respect united in our effort to empower Hawaiians and strengthen Hawai'i. Aloha and mahalo for your continued support, it did not go unnoticed, and was greatly appreciated at the polls in 2010. Best wishes to you and yours in the new year. Hau'oli Makahiki Hou. ■

PetEr Apo TrustEE, At-largE