Summary and discussion
A conceptual framework for Chinese business leaders’
management philosophies
We have developed a conceptual framework for Chinese business
leaders’ management philosophies on the basis of the main findings
of this research (seeFigure 8.1). In this framework, we have catego-
rized the influences on Chinese management philosophies into four
sources including life experiences, books and literature, role models,
and business administration education and training. The first three
sources are from both China and the West, while the last source is
mainly from the West.
Seven philosophical notions for management were identified in our
study:sincerity is essential,pursuit of excellence,social responsibility,
harmony is precious,the Golden Mean,specialization,andscientific
management. These philosophical ideas are manifested in management
practices in two broad areas, namely, dealing with social relationships
and dealing with business operations.
Philosophical notions governing social relationships are primarily
sincerity is essential, social responsibility, harmony is precious,andthe
Golden Mean. Those that govern business operations are primarily
pursuit of excellence, specialization, andscientific management. These
latter notions guide the technical aspects of business operations such
Sources Philosophical notions Practices- Life experiences
- Books and
literature - Role models
- Business
administration
education and
training- Sincerity is essential
- Pursuit of excellence
- Social responsibility
- Harmony is precious
- The Golden Mean
(Acting in the
middle way) - Specialization
- Scientific management Managing business• Quantitative management
- Standardized procedure
- .....
Managing people- Benevolence
- Being broad-minded
- .....
Figure 8.1.A summary model of Chinese business leaders’ management
philosophies.
260 Zhi-xue Zhanget al.