Leadership and Management in China: Philosophies, Theories, and Practices

Table 5.3.Examples of the humanist foundation of strategic leadership.

Excerpts Chapter

The higher purpose of leadership: service to the community at large
War is a question of vital importance to the state, a matter
of life and death, the road to survival or ruin.
(Righteousness)

Assessments

The Way means inducing the people to have the same aim
as the sovereign so that they will share death and share
life, without fear of danger. (Righteousness)

Assessments

We know that the leader of the army is in charge of the lives
of the people and the safety of the nation.
(Righteousness)

Waging war

Generals are assistant to the nations. When their assistance
is complete, the country is strong. When their assistance
is defective, the country is weak. Those whose upper and
lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.
(Righteousness)

Attacking by

stratagem

Those who use arms will cultivate the Way and keep the
rules. Thus they can govern in such a way as to prevail
over the corrupt. (Righteousness)

Disposition

Thus one advances without seeking glory, retreats without
avoiding blame, only protecting people, to the benefit of
the government as well, thus rendering valuable service
to the nation. (Righteousness)

Terrain

Act when it is beneficial; desist if it is not... Therefore an
enlightened government is careful about this; a good
military leadership is alert to this. This is the way to
secure a nation and keep the armed forces whole.
(Righteousness)

Attacking by

fire

Relationship with higher authority
The ordinary rule for use of military force is for the military
commander to receive the orders from the sovereignty.
(Righteousness)

Attacking by

stratagem;

Adaptations

Relationship with subordinates
Look upon your soldiers as you do infants, and they
willingly go into deep valleys with you; look upon your
soldiers as beloved children, and they willingly die with
you. (Benevolence)

Terrain

154 Hai-fa Sun, Chao-chuan Chen, and Shi-he Zhang