An emic study of indigenous values among Ivatans fundamental to their perception of community leadership

Abstract

This ethnographic study was designed to determine the indigenous values among Ivatans fundamental to their perception of community leadership. This study yielded a profile of an Ivatan community leader and was presented as values-based and practical traits. This profile surfaced the primary Ivatans values involved in choosing their community leaders which is the main objective of this study. Moreover, these primary Ivatan values showed three aspects of leadership including personal, public and professional aspects. I also compared these primary Ivatan values to the description of a transformational leader. Furthermore, this study showed two other contributing factors that influence the choice of leaders. It also showed a common response when it comes to doing the campaign in Batanes setting. Results also showed that in choosing community leaders, Ivatans give importance to the voice of people that matter to them; and at the same time, enjoy their freedom to have a personal decision to vote. Finally, this study revealed that the qualities Ivatans seek in a political leader are similar with the qualities they look for in their religious and other community leaders.