ABSTRACT
The structure within which officials operate today differs in many respects from the traditional village parish system. These discrete formal structures in Madang are hierarchically organized in a series of levels of increasing inclusiveness. In Madang it appears that the balance between these two spheres varies from one individual to another. Some men appear to be influential within their own clan and village and among other kinsmen and affines, while not being particularly well-known elsewhere. These differences arise largely from the conjunction or otherwise of formal and informal leadership roles. In addition to pluralism and movement between leadership roles, there is also unofficial personal interaction between leaders, as when fellow councillors attended the funeral of one of their President’s children. Friendships and contacts made in one sphere of leadership can be carried over to another. Church leaders turned councillors keep in touch with the people with whom they were working before.
