Kirstie Bullock

Business 1050
Professor Karen Killinger
27 July 2014
Chief Joseph Case Study
Chief Joseph was a leader that cared mostly about his tribe. Any decisions made
were for his tribe. He utilized the Nez Perces tribe values, which included ethical,
personal and cultural values. Everyone was able to give his or her input, which was
strongly encouraged. General Howard was very different in his leadership styles. He was
more like a dictator. He was very forceful when he was trying to remove the Indians to a
reservation. Even though they were both different styles, death and suffering came to
both. But they had a few things in common: they had willpower, perseverance and
lifelong goals.
When General Howard tried to get the tribe to a reservation, Chief Joseph
opposed his disapproval of Indians. This is what led to his attempts to be unsuccessful.
Chief Joseph tried to hurry the Nez Perce tribe to a smaller reservation. He ignored the
values they had by making a decision on his own, with no planning or advanced notice.
General Howard was not able to move the Indians to a different reservation because of
the start of the Indian War, which was started because other Indians in the North
American Territories resisted the movement.
While Chief Joseph made decisions against the norms and values of the tribe, he
was still a good leader, which gave them success on the battlefield. He wanted peace, not
war. They also led General Howard over the Salmon River as planned. They planned to

cut off access to his supplies. When he tried to clear the area, the tribe killed many of
General Howards soldiers.
By reading this, I have learned to keep my values and beliefs in a positive way. I
must stay persistent and do what is right for the greater good. Although he chose to
surrender, he did it for the Nez Perces tribe. If this is the best option for the greater good
so that there isnt suffering, then so be it. I must know how to make decisions and
distinguish what is right and wrong.