Kultur und ökonomische Entwicklung - Eine empirische Untersuchung kultureller Umwelt und unternehmerischer Fähigkeiten in der indonesischen Provinz Papua (West-Neuguinea)

This study focuses on the cultural reasons for the marginalization of the Papuan indigenous people in the modern economy of the Indonesian province of Papua. The theoretical background for this study is grounded on the development logic of Schumpeter and the development theory of Röpke which itself is based on Schumpeter's logic. The empirical data were collected through questionnaires in three rural regions of Papua, that is the respective area of the ethnic group of the Maibrat, Kemtuk, and Dani. People in the three research areas rely highly on subsistence agriculture organized within the family. Agriculture is characterized by a low degree of control of the natural environment and low productivity. The societies are particularistic and shame-oriented. Most discussed elements of the ethnic groups' own cultural environment have an inhibiting effect on entrepreneurial action and economic development. In particular these elements consist of a mechanistic, indirect, ritual-manipulative relationship with God influenced by animism, a high degree of mistrust towards non-relatives, and a very pronounced principle of egalitarianism. This latter principle forbids the accumulation of wealth for personal purposes. It is the reason for a compulsion to share, leading to an antisurplus principle. The over-pronounced social solidarity towards relatives in consequence renders the extended family to be a trap for economic development. The characteristics of most discussed entrepreneurial abilities only support entrepreneurial action, and with it economic development, on a small scale. Due to animistically influenced concepts of the genesis of wealth and affluence, any internal locus of control is clearly diminished. There is a desire for harmony rather than for autonomy. There is aloofness when it comes to solving problems. The ability to anticipate future chances is unincisive. Innovations can hardly be accomplished as they are in conflict with the father's generation and tradition. Newly emerging opportunities triggered by the contact to the foreign cultural environment are not used very much. Evidence from the Dani area shows that the mere existence of marketing opportunities does not automatically lead to more market orientation. Innovations are adopted very selectively in order to complete or secure the own culture. There is rather a consumptive tendency concerning the ability to defer need gratification. Authoritarianism as well as the need for affiliation and recognition are very pronounced. A prestige economy prevails which is hardly aimed at economic development. The success motive (hope of success as part of the achievement motive) exists only on a small scale in all three of the research areas. But significant results for the Maibrat and Kemtuk area confirm the central role the success motive plays in economic development. Different cultural elements, as for example polygyny, hinder the development of the achievement motive of individuals. Entrepreneurs barely enjoy prestige and appreciation in society. Regarding the ability of the research areas for economic development, a drastic economic development can hardly be expected.