Ethnicity in the public service

RESEARCH

Dr Hengene Payani’s PhD thesis warns that if left unattended, ethnic disparity could lead to future problems

By JAMIE HARO
DR Hengene Payani from Hela has researched the importance of addressing ethnic (regional and provincial) composition of the Papua New Guinean public service but is specifically to determine whether the ethno-linguistic diversity of the country is reflected in it or not.
This was part of his journey to write a research thesis to obtain a doctorate in business and public policy management from the University of Papua New Guinea.
His educational journey began when he attended Walete Community School before advancing to Tari High School in his home province.
He was then accepted to study at the Popondetta Agriculture College in Northern before he registered at the Divine Word Institute (Grade 11 and 12).
Dr Payani was then accepted to do the Bachelor’s in Public Administration programme at the University of PNG and continued to obtain honours in Political Science and Masters in Public Administration at the Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand.
He has held academic posts in the Department of Political Science at UPNG, the National Research Institute and the National University of Singapore.
In his career before obtaining a PhD, he worked with the Papua New Guinea Banking Corporation under the reform team that prepared PNGBC for privatisation and eventual takeover by Bank of South Pacific (BSP).
His also held other jobs at the BSP, Midland Consultants and with former governors Dr Bob Danaya (Western) and Anderson Agiru (Southern Highlands/Hela).
He is also the co-author of Papua New Guinea: Tribute to a Nation and has published several papers in peer-reviewed journals.
His academic interests are in public policy and public sector reforms and multi-ethnic politics, especially in developing countries. His thesis to obtaining a PhD was based entirely on pure research.
Dr Payani studies were based on examining ethnicity (regional and provincial) of the PNG public service.

The citation
THIS thesis examines the ethnic (regional and provincial) composition of the PNG public service but is specifically to determine whether the ethno-linguistic diversity of the country is reflected in it or not.
The study provides new evidence which shows that a few provinces are over-represented, while others are under-represented in the public service. Furthermore, the provincial data of each province masks significant internal disparities between districts, local level governments, wards, tribes, clans and sub-clans. It also shows that women are under-represented at all levels of public service.
This study justified and utilised the use of a mixed method approach and data was collected through perception surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and primary data from the Department of Personnel Management’s Human Resources Management database. This study makes an original contribution to our knowledge by demonstrating the link between introduced state institutions and indigenous cultural practices. It explores the practical and theoretical implications of managing ethnic balance in public service.
This study has presented a case that ethnic diversity, if not managed well in a country such as PNG, could spark off ethnic-related strife and violence, as seen elsewhere. The empirical evidence from this study indicates that there is so much inequality in the public service, that not all of the ethno-linguistic and tribal groups in PNG are well-represented in the public service.
Failure to address or manage this problem could lead to ethnic tensions and violence between dominant and under-represented ethnic groups as happened in other parts of the world. The facts and evidence provided, and the implications of this study have shown that the successive governments have failed to address or manage this ethnic inequality in the public service.
What can be done to improve this inequality in the public service? What can be done to address a time-bomb waiting to explode, when the distribution of resources is done on the basis of ethnicity, where dominant groups receive a larger share and the minorities receive a pittance, or are excluded?
This study has recommended a holistic model for establishing a representative public service in PNG. This model is based on equality and the participation of all Papua New Guineans in the public service.
It proposes a legislated government policy to bring about fair representation in the public service, and its implementation be made mandatory. The purpose of this policy is to give all of the ethnic groups in the country an equal opportunity to obtain employment and gain promotion in the public service.
The model further offered some remedial strategies to improve inequalities in terms of governmental services and developmental benefits between provinces, regions and peoples were offered. It is hoped that this will enable all people to have easy access to government services, establish inter-ethnic peace and harmony and promote national unity.
Easy access to the public service also hinges on the successful implementation of these strategies.
This study has demonstrated that the future of the country depends not only on how it manages our resources, but more importantly, on inter-ethnic harmony, peaceful coexistence, and unity of the country’s diverse population.
Tolerance, understanding, and harmonious existence among people of diverse cultures and traditions in a modern third world country are crucial to forging national unity.
PNG’s future existence, as a happy, harmonious country, as envisioned in the PNG Vision 2050, depends a greater deal on how well it manages its ethnic diversity in the public service, and reduces the widening gap of inequality in the country.
This study is an issue of national significance – an issue that has never been addressed until now.
Since graduating, Dr Hengene Payani is currently self-employed as a freelance consultant in property development and investment providing consultancy on government and landowner issues in petroleum, gas and mining projects.
He also serves on the board of Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF), PNG Bible Translation Association and Operation Mobilisation Mission (OM PNG) and is an active member of PNG Professional Christian Network.
He is from a subsistence family, has five sisters and a brother, and is the only one from the family to have acquired tertiary education. Hengene and wife Kipi have five children and live in Port Moresby. His desire in life is to serve God and humanity; mentor and help young Papua New Guineans to serve God and their country and fulfil their purpose on earth.
“My advice to young Papua New Guineans is: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Stay connected to God and you will know your purpose in life and realize your full potential.”