Chinese traditions and Western theories: influences on business leaders in China
Date
2008
Authors
Zhang, Z.X.
Chen, C.C.
Liu, L.A.
Liu, X.F.
Editors
Chen, C.C.
Lee, Y.T.
Lee, Y.T.
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Book chapter
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Source details - Title: Leadership and management in China: philosophies, theories, and practices, 2008 / Chen, C.C., Lee, Y.T. (ed./s), Ch.8, pp.239-271
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Abstract
This chapter concerns contemporary Chinese business leaders’ management philosophies and the sources of these philosophies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty-five successful business leaders from enterprises in China. Content-analyzing the interviews, we identified seven management philosophies held by these business leaders: sincerity is essential; pursuit of excellence; social responsibility; harmony is precious; the Golden Mean (acting in the middle way); specialization; and scientific management. We found that both Chinese cultural traditions and Western management theories influence Chinese business leaders’ management philosophies and practices. While the Western management theories have great impact on their task-related operations, Chinese culture has a significant influence on their people management practices. These findings suggest that modern business administration education should balance Western theories and Chinese philosophies and integrate the wisdoms from the two streams.
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Copyright 2008 Cambridge University Press