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Better off solo? Comparative well-being of MÄ ori employers, sole traders and paid employees

Author

Listed:
  • Carla Houkamau

    (The University of Auckland Business School, The University of Auckland, New Zealand)

  • Kieren Lilly

    (School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand)

  • Jamie Newth
  • Kiri Dell

    (The University of Auckland Business School, The University of Auckland, New Zealand)

  • Jason Mika

    (School of Management and Marketing, University of Waikato, New Zealand)

  • Chris Sibley

    (School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand)

Abstract

MÄ ori, New Zealand’s Indigenous people, are projected to make up over 20% of the New Zealand workforce in 20 years. Employment plays a big role in determining one’s well-being. Drawing on data from 2,378 MÄ ori who completed the survey-based MÄ ori Identity and Financial Attitudes Study in 2017, this article examines differences in subjective well-being between workers in three categories: paid employees, employers (who employ staff) and sole traders (with no employees). Several measures are used to capture well-being across multiple domains. Sole traders were significantly more satisfied with their standard of living and health and higher in self-efficacy compared to paid employees. MÄ ori employers were significantly more satisfied with their standard of living, future security and personal relationships, and reported greater self-esteem and financial satisfaction than sole traders and paid employees. Although only one cultural context is examined, this article demonstrates the potential benefit of understanding the implications of self-employment for Indigenous peoples.

Suggested Citation

  • Carla Houkamau & Kieren Lilly & Jamie Newth & Kiri Dell & Jason Mika & Chris Sibley, 2024. "Better off solo? Comparative well-being of MÄ ori employers, sole traders and paid employees," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 45(4), pages 1294-1324, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:45:y:2024:i:4:p:1294-1324
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X231224587
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