This study investigates the leadership
characteristics of New Zealandís two largest
cultural groups, Māori and Pakeha. It examines
the extent to which these leadership
characteristics are rooted in the unique contexts
of each culture. Followersí perceptions of
leadership behaviour were examined using the
Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ).
The hypothesis that leadership is deeply rooted
in the broader cultural contexts was supported.
This provides tentative evidence that leadership
concepts are culturally endorsed in New
Zealand. These findings, if substantiated with
further, more in-depth research, may prove
crucial to public communicators seeking ways
to disseminate information to these groups,
particularly when working through opinion
leaders.