The Confucian and Mencian philosophy of benevolent leadership

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511753763.003

1 - The Confucian and Mencian philosophy of benevolent leadership

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 May 2010

Xin-Hui Yang ,

Yan-qin Peng and

Yueh-ting Lee

Edited by

Chao-Chuan Chen and

Yueh-Ting Lee

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Chao-Chuan Chen: Affiliation:
Rutgers University, New Jersey
Yueh-Ting Lee: Affiliation:
University of Toledo, Ohio

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Summary

This chapter focuses on the major teachings of Confucius and Mencius as they relate to leadership. Confucianism has had a great influence on people not only in China and the rest of East and Southeast Asia, but also elsewhere in the world. Confucianism is broad and complex and has relevance to politics, philosophy, education, psychology, morality and ethics, but this chapter focuses on exploring Confucian ideas related to benevolent leadership. We first briefly introduce the biographical details and historical backgrounds of Confucius and Mencius. Next, we introduce the Confucian philosophy of benevolence, which includes the assumption of human goodness and the prescription of key Confucian virtues such as benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), ritual propriety (li), wisdom (zhi), trustworthiness (xin), and filial piety (xiao). Third, we elaborate on a benevolent leadership model that includes self-cultivation and leading others. We conclude by discussing the significance of Confucian benevolent leadership for modern business organizations.

Biogrphic and historical background

Confucius (551–479 BCE) is most widely known in China as Kongzi or Kongfuzi, with Kong being the family name, and zi or fuzi meaning master in Chinese. He is also known as Kong Qiu (Qiu is a given name) or Zhongni (a social name). We follow the latinized name of Confucius because it is well established in the literature outside China. Confucius was a native of the state of Lü (presently the city of Qufu in Shandong province, China) during the latter part of the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BCE).

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Leadership and Management in China
Philosophies, Theories, and Practices
, pp. 31 - 50

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511753763.003 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2008

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