Week 5: Objectives

1.To understand the core principles of Confucianism

2.To examine how Confucianism shapes China's political
policies
3.To explore the influence of Confucianism on modern
corporate management culture
 Confucius
Kong Qiu: generally known as Kongzi ('Master Kong’)

Chinese philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period

Born in 551 B.C. -Died in 479 B.C.
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The Analects [Lunyu 論語]- Sayings of Confucius : “Half of the

Analects of Confucius Rule the World”

The Analects embodies the basic values of the Confucian

tradition: learning, morality, ritual decorum, and filial piety.
 Confucianism
Confucianism, also known as Ruism or Ru classicism, is a
system of thought and behavior originating in ancient
China, and is variously described as a tradition,
philosophy, (humanistic or rationalistic) religion, theory of
government, or way of life.
Confucianism developed from what was later called the
Hundred Schools of Thought from the teachings of the
Chinese philosopher Confucius.
(Wikipedia)
Key Concepts in Confucianism-Ren仁 (Benevolence)

• The character '仁' consists of the radicals '人' (person) and '二' (two),
embodying the fundamental idea of showing respect and affection
towards others. It stands at the heart of Confucian philosophy,
emphasizing compassion and sympathy for others.

• The Confucian spirit of benevolence extends beyond love for one's own
kind to encompass a broader love for all living beings and everything in
the natural world.
Key Concepts in Confucianism-Yi义 (Righteousness):

• Originally referring to “appropriateness” ， “righteousness”

serves as an ethical principle for judging behavior. It
encompasses notions of justice, morality, and the capacity
to choose to act rightly in any given situation.

• Without the ethical and legal principles based on "

righteousness " as a bottom line, the pursuit of self-interest
becomes ruthless, ultimately harming the interests of
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everyone.
Key Concepts in Confucianism-Li礼(Ritual):
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• “Li“礼 refers to more than just daily etiquette and rituals. It

includes the systems and norms governing various aspects of
ancient Chinese social life.
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• “Li”礼 serves as both a social-political ideal and an ethical

standard, guiding and regulating thoughts and behaviors to
maintain social stability and development.
Key Concepts in Confucianism-Zhi智 (Wisdom):
• Zhi “智,” also written as “知,” serves as both a
verb, indicating “to perceive and to cognize” , and
a noun, representing “knowledge and wisdom”.
• Zhi "智" highlights the pursuit of knowledge and
the cultivation of intelligence and wisdom as
significant life values. It reflects a deep respect for
knowledge and wisdom in the Confucian tradition.
 Key Concepts in Confucianism-xin信
（ trustworthiness & Integrity)
The ethical expectations of Xin "信" are extensive,
encompassing commitments to truthfulness,
consistency between words and deeds, respect for
facts, fidelity to the truth, adherence to promises,
loyalty to duties, courage in assuming responsibility,
and diligent fulfillment of obligations, among other
aspects.
Three fundamental Bonds (Three Guiding Principles )
• It dictates that the ruler takes charge in the political realm, the father
assumes authority within the family, and the husband holds dominance in
the marital relationship.

• It emphasizes the subordinate roles of subjects, children, and wives,

aligning with a hierarchical structure where obedience to the ruler, father,
and husband is considered the proper order of things.

• The concept of the "Three Fundamental Bonds" reflects a form of

authoritarianism associated with the roles of ruler, father, and husband in
traditional Confucian thought.
 Five Cardinal relationships ( wu chang)
1.Ruler and Subject
2.Father and Son
3.Elder Brother and Younger Brother
4.Husband and Wife
5.Friend and Friend

In this system, social harmony relies on everyone fulfilling their roles,

leading to intense pressure to conform normatively.
Ruler and Subject- the hierarchical structure of society

• The ruler held authority and responsibility over the subjects.

• Subjects were expected to show loyalty and obedience to the ruler.

• The ruler was obliged to govern with benevolence and fairness.

Father and Son- filial piety
• Parents show love, and children show filial piety.

• Parents should be nurturing and caring, while children should be

respectful and obedient.
Husband and Wife-clear distinction in roles within marriage
• Husbands show righteousness, and wives show obedience.

• husbands take charge outside the home and wives manage affairs
within it.

• Husbands should act with integrity, while wives should support their
husbands and follow their lead.
Elder and Younger siblings-sibling harmony
• This reflects a hierarchy of respect within families.

• Elder siblings are caring, and younger ones are respectful.

Friends-the most important relationships outside the family
• Friends are expected to support each other, offer mutual respect, and
uphold each other's honor and reputation.
The Confucian Culture and Xi Jinping's Diplomatic
Philosophy
1.Path of Benevolence and Reciprocal Gain: Emphasizing the virtues of benevolence
and reciprocity, advocating peaceful coexistence, endorsing a multilateral trade system,
opposing trade protectionism, promoting win-win cooperation, and striving for shared
prosperity.
2.Path of Moderation and Flexibility in Diplomacy: Advocating a middle way, rejecting
extremism, promoting peaceful resolution of international disputes, emphasizing
diplomatic flexibility—balancing principles with diverse approaches.
(Zhang, 2019)
 The Confucian Culture and Xi Jinping's
Diplomatic Philosophy-continued
3. Path of Harmony and Coexistence in Diplomacy: Highlighting the Confucian concept of
building a harmonious society, valuing cultural diversity, advocating unity in diversity,
opposing cultural hegemony, and aspiring to the coexistence and mutual prosperity of
nations worldwide.

4.Path of Unity and Shared Destiny in Diplomacy: Following the principles of self-
improvement, family harmony, effective governance, and global peace, advocating unity
among nations, promoting just and equal development in the international community,
and working towards the construction of a shared destiny for humanity.

(Zhang, 2019)
 Harmony of Nature: Xi Jinping's Ecological
Vision and Confucian Wisdom
Harmony of Humanity and Nature: Xi Jinping emphasizes the ancient Chinese
principle of "天人合一" (Unity of Heaven and Humanity) in ecological vision.
• Nov 2015, Paris: "In Chinese civilization, there has always been an emphasis on
the unity of heaven and humanity, and a respect for nature.“
• Apr 2017, Nanjing: "Aligning with nature and pursuing unity of heaven and
humanity are timeless principles for the Chinese nation.”

“Green waters and the green mountains are gold mountains and silver mountains”
 Xi Jinping’s thought: building cultural
confidence
• “The outstanding traditional culture of China represents the wisdom and essence
of Chinese civilization. It serves as the roots and soul of the Chinese nation,
providing a solid foundation for China to stand firm amidst the dynamic currents
of world culture.”
• “Contemporary China is the continuation and evolution of historical China,
representing the inheritance and refinement of traditional Chinese thought and
culture. Understanding today's China and its people requires a deep dive into the
cultural roots that nourish and sustain them.”
• “The members of Chinese Communist Party have consistently been faithful
inheritors and promoters of China's outstanding traditional culture.”
( Xi’s speech)
 Confucianism and Modern Corporate
Management Culture
• Confucian culture embodies a proactive spirit, emphasizing active involvement
in the world.

• It assigns the duty of "self-cultivation" to the spheres of "harmonizing the

family," "governing the country," and "promoting global peace." Grounded in
individual values, it aspires to contribute positively to societal well-being,
aligning personal virtues with broader principles.
 Confucianism and Modern Corporate
Management Culture-continued
1. Confucianism's concept of "benevolent governance“

• This philosophy is prominently reflected in management activities, particularly in the

pursuit of the "Path of cultivating oneself internally and governing others externally"
with a focus on "inner virtue and outer kingliness.“
• It requires business managers to first cultivate themselves according to the principles
of "Confucianism of Benevolence," applying the principles of "benevolence" to
manage the business. Managers, to effectively lead others, must possess a strong
moral and rational foundation, embodying the ideal described by Confucius: "Desire
to establish oneself and then establish others, desire to achieve and then help others
achieve."
 Confucianism and Modern Corporate
Management Culture-continued
2. The Confucian perspective on the relationship between righteousness and profit

• Confucius introduced concepts such as "considering righteousness in pursuit of

profit," "taking only what is righteous," "prioritizing righteousness over profit," and
"placing more importance on righteousness than on profit," forming the
fundamental principles of the Confucian "view of righteousness and profit."

• “Considering righteousness before pursuing profit" explicitly emphasize the role of

righteousness as a guideline for seeking profit, embodying social responsibility and
adherence to laws and regulations.
 Confucianism and Modern Corporate
Management Culture-continued

3. Confucian perspective on “integrity”

• "Integrity" is a consistent moral principle and behavioral norm advocated
by Confucianism, and it is essential for the orderly and prosperous
development of businesses in a market economy.

• For business leaders embracing Confucian ideals to become "Confucian

entrepreneurs," placing emphasis on "integrity" is crucial. In today's
increasingly competitive market, a company's reputation is paramount,
and without integrity, there is no sustainable future for the enterprise.