From my first year (‘97) as a faculty member at the University of Hawaii, College of Business Administration, an intellectual and world view dilemma between my Polynesian beliefs, rooted in traditional values, and Western education/perspectives continued unabated until years later when I matured as a ranking traditional leader (alii) of the Samoan archipelago and as a seasoned educator and administrator at the secondary and post-secondary levels. The cause of that dilemma was the intellectual contrast between the notion of a mechanistic universe motivated by a linear rational process and an organic universe, genealogically connected that privileged intuition, dialogue with ancestors, and kinship ties among all living things. Utilising one or the other has been harmful and ineffective in adapting effectively to change particularly if imposed by a dominant culture. Rather than supplant traditional beliefs and cultural values with ‘modern’ pedagogic and leadership methods and/or perspectives of success, a more effective method of reconciling the seemingly opposing values and moving forward was synthesising cultural knowledge and traditional wisdoms with modern knowledge, science and technology. Combine the best of both, discarding their weaknesses and creating a third option with value added. The opportunities for success are compelling.
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