ABSTRACT
Diversity in the workplace is a compelling proposition that promises to help companies better serve the needs of diverse customer markets, and, generate innovative thinking, problem solving and decision making. However, many organizations treat diversity as a matter of having a diverse representation of people and fail to pay careful attention to whether people from diverse backgrounds feel included at work. Accordingly, diversity schemes are unlikely to realize their full potential. Drawing on nature as a source of wisdom, through the fable of pāua, the New Zealand abalone, we explore diversity and inclusion in organizations from an Indigenous Māori perspective. Pāua offers endearing insights into diversity and inclusion and frames five culturally grounded strengths that engender a culture of inclusion. These five strengths are: Mauri ora – creating wellbeing; Whanaungatanga – practicing family-centric values; Tangata whakapapa – embracing the wholeness of a person; Hūmārie – practicing humility and Tuākana-Teina – transmitting knowledge through mentorship.
