not immortality calls for looking beyond profit – resonates with many
Chinese business leaders.
Twenty-one interviewees indicated that they like reading books
on Chinese history and Chinese culture. The interviews revealed that
they have a strong identification with traditional Chinese culture and
are deeply influenced by it, especially the teachings of Confucianism,
Taoism, and Buddhism. These executives repeatedly cited some popu-
lar sayings that are embedded in Chinese culture, including ‘‘harmony
is precious,’’ ‘‘the Golden Mean (acting in the middle way),’’ ‘‘seeking
changes within stability,’’ ‘‘sticking together and cooperating,’’ ‘‘seek-
ing things that enrich the country and benefit the people,’’ and
‘‘striving for continuous improvement.’’ Traditional Chinese culture
seemed also to add a strong moral dimension to the management
philosophies. Interviewees emphasized the ability to command respect
and win support through one’s virtues such as kindness or generosity,
as well as having high self-expectations and self-discipline, embodying
the best of both Western and Chinese cultures.
Role models
Almost all interviewees believed that their management philosophies
and practices have been largely influenced by historical figures or
contemporary role models in or outside China.
In Chinese history, there have been people who built their success
by relying on a combination of traditional Chinese culture and self-
cultivation according to traditional Chinese values. Many contem-
porary Chinese executives consider them as role models; those most
mentioned by our interviewees included Zeng Guo Fan, Hu Xue Yan,
and the Qing dynasty emperor Kang Xi, who have long been famous
in Chinese history for their achievement and wisdom, notwithstand-
ing they happened to be featured in recent popular books or TV series
in China.
Zeng Guo Fan is the most frequently mentioned historical figure
(1811–1872, a high-ranking official in the Qing dynasty). Highly
respected for his virtues, he is considered as a hero in preserving order
and stability. He was the first government official to realize that there
was an invasion of Western thoughts and called for China to adapt to
the changes taking place in the world. He exemplified the strength of
Confucian thoughts in his leadership behavior by practicing a lifelong
Chinese traditions and Western theories 257