Maori lawyers and stress : a thesis presented in partial fulfulment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Human Resource Management at Massey University

Abstract

The stress process is one that has been well researched and documented. Stress studies have identified both individual and occupation specific stressors as well as a vast array of coping mechanisms. Much of this research has concentrated on majority groups, with very little done to investigate the issues faced by minorities. This study investigates the causes and consequences of stress for Maori Lawyers. These findings are complementary to data previously collected in 1995 by the Department of Human Resource Management at Massey University, when investigating the occupation specific stressors of [all] lawyers in New Zealand (Hodgson & Dewe, 1995). The aim of this study is to explore factors related to cultural identity that in addition to occupation specific stressors, tax or impede the functioning of Maori lawyers. The study also explores culturally based mechanisms of coping employed by Maori lawyers when dealing with their stress. To achieve these aims, a sample of Maori lawyers was drawn from the total membership of the Te Hunga Roia (the Maori Law Society). Of those that participated in the study 62.2% were women. Almost fifty two percent (51.2%) of the respondents were between the ages of 21 and 30. The methodology used in this study largely replicates and extends that utilised in earlier research. Survey questions were modified and semi-structured interviews were included in the research design to answer Maori cultural imperatives in research including the use of appropriate tools to capture "rich" data. A number of major themes emerged from the survey data. The survey material was subject to content analyses to identify major issues. These issues were then further explored in face-to-face interviews. For Maori lawyers issues surrounding self-expectations, the expectations of others, notably whanau (extended family), hapu (tribe) and iwi (confederation of tribes) and differences in Maori tikanga (custom) and Pakeha law were found to be major factors in causing stress. When dealing with their stress Maori lawyers rely heavily on the social support of whanau and peers. They are also likely to draw on personal resources such as their belief of connectedness to the environment, physical and spiritual to help them cope. The results of this study show that in addition to the usual stressors faced by lawyers, Maori lawyers confront a set of personalised social strains that grow out of their ethnicity (Ford, 1985). In addition Maori lawyers also employ a number of coping interventions that grow out of their ethnicity. This research is significant by its contribution to the sparse literature on occupational stress in New Zealand and in particular its contribution to research about stress among indigenous people. It is of potential benefit to current and future Maori lawyers as they consider their cultural identity and how this may impact on their professional lives. These findings are of potential use to employers, educators and legal groups in New Zealand.