Leadership theory of Legalism and its function in Confucian society

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511753763.006

4 - Leadership theory of Legalism and its function in Confucian society

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 May 2010

Kwang-Kuo Hwang

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 reorganizes Hanfei's theory of leadership from the perspective of social science and explains its implications in contemporary Chinese society. It begins with a brief biography of Hanfei and the origins of his thought. His theory of leadership is then presented as a formal theory and its meanings are explained in terms of modern organizational theories. Based on Hwang's (1995; 2001) analysis of the deep structure of Confucianism, a conceptual framework is proposed to illustrate the dialectical relationship between Hanfei's theory and Confucianism. Finally, operation of the firm and state in Taiwan are used as examples to explain how this conceptual framework may be used to study Chinese organizational behavior.

Introduction

Among the various Chinese indigenous leadership theories, the importance of Legalism is second only to Confucianism. Fa Jia (the Legalist school) emerged during the Warring States Period (403–222 BCE) and its main thoughts were refined against the cultural background of Confucianism, although its contents are in direct opposition to Confucianism in many respects.

During the Han dynasty, Tung Jong-shu (179–104 BCE) proposed integrating the two systems with the idea of “making judicial sentence by the Confucian classic of Spring and Autumn” and “utilizing Legalism as an instrument to consolidate the Confucian social system.” (Chu, 1961). Rulers of China began to use Legalist methods to defend their power and position and to control people, but retained Confucian doctrine to educate and discipline people.

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Type: Chapter
Information: Leadership and Management in China
Philosophies, Theories, and Practices
, pp. 108 - 142

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511753763.006 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2008

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