THE ROLE OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
IN PACIFIC ISLAND ECONOMIC GROWTH
November 9-12, 1999
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

Moderator:  Lee Weimer
Rapporteur:  Darby Zink

Different perspectives are taken by the board of directors and by group membership due to the dynamic between leading and following.

Creating a representative organization assumes a visible need, but requires decisions as to governance–whether it will become a democratic process or block voting.

In the Pacific there is resistance to change and the transition to group decision-making, due to traditional leadership roles which are based upon respect for elders and authority figures.

A public ceremony and recitation of duties for board members and leaders can generate increased accountability.

A well-defined vision, communicated clearly, will become visible to the larger community. If incremental steps are taken, sustained by small successes, confidence will be built.

MAINTAINING ASSOCIATIONS

Implementation of term limits for leadership should help to safeguard against strong-holds of power.

Associations can enlarge their power base by educating membership, disseminating data and trusting in a "commonsense" decision once information is readily available to all.

It was agreed that any Chamber of Commerce board should reflect the cultural diversity of the membership. A tool for gaining diversity on boards is adding ex-officio and/or advisory members.

In smaller organizations, especially Chamber of Commerce chapters, more hats may have to be worn by fewer members. Larger organizations can eliminate duplication of services and reduce competition for limited funding.

In order to maintain credibility, an organization must be effective. In some cases it is questionable whether one large umbrella business association can serve the entire business spectrum; special interests must be acknowledged.

Since attitudes toward money and family values vary widely, there is a need to re-articulate goals and concern for the "quality of life", which may reveal commonality.

Women representating groups from Samoa, Fiji and Australia agreed upon the necessity for networking and specific skills to provide business opportunities and access to broader markets. Feedback and training that promotes business awareness are also priorities.

Natural barriers within cultural groups between formally educated and uneducated members needs to be addressed–as this creates barriers to solidarity in the Pacific island cultures. Geographical remoteness may be a contributing factor. There is a need for a sense of membership in a larger community than merely island-wide. Travel and education serve to broaden horizons.

Provide concrete experiences for those who are new in business, thereby creating role models for others to observe. New entrepreneurs cannot rely only on oral teaching and technology, they may need a demonstration of a craft or service for encouragement. Learning by doing is effective in village settings. This will strengthen a group's membership base for future alliances.