The Inner Voices of the Changing Times: The Journey of the Mangyan Elders in Governance Practices

Abstract

Organizational success depends on the quality of its leadership. Furthermore, context-specific leadership theories are essential in recognizing the potential of indigenous traditions and practices in interpreting leadership practices in a local context. To understand context-specific leadership theories, we need to study indigenous leadership. This study about Mangyan leadership adds to the conversation about indigenous leadership by highlighting the elders' situations and indigenous leadership practices. Mangyan elders are grounded in experience and represent specific contexts, inherent values, beliefs, and circumstances. The study revealed three highlights: 1.) The Hagura Mangyan communities have their political structure composed of the indigenous elders as a fundamental component. 2.) Hybrid government-indigenous leadership and governance create tensions and conflicts with indigenous leadership practices. 3.) As the customary law practices of the communities are slowly eroding, the elder leadership is also weakening due to the imposition of the government's political system.