Confucian theory of benevolent leadership
On the basis of the above discussion of the Confucian philosophy of
benevolence we have constructed a model of benevolent leadership
(Figure 1.1). This model starts with the foundational beliefs of human
goodness and priority for people, which lead to benevolent leadership.
Benevolent leadership has two interrelated components: cultivating
oneself to be a sage (or superior) person and leading others as a sage-
leader. These lead to the goal of building a harmonious and benevolent
world.
Self-cultivation(xiu ji)and the sage person(nei sheng)
Benevolent leadership starts from self-cultivation to acquire the
virtues of a superior (or sage) person. According to Confucius, if you
know how to cultivate your own character, you will know how to shape
others and how to lead the family and the state. The cultivation of
one’s character is a prerequisite for leadership. Confucius and Mencius
Human goodness and priority for peopleBenevolent leadershipSupreme goal of benevolent leadership: a
harmonious world of people, welfare, and educationCultivating self to be a sage person- Major virtues
- Practicing benevolence
- Continuous learning
- Following the Doctrine of
the Mean - Being perseverant
- Self-examination
Leading others as a sage-leader- Shaping character of
followers: role modeling,
mentoring, and reinforcing
benevolence - Bottom-up community-
building - The rule of virtue
Figure 1.1.Confucian model of benevolent leadership.
38 Xin-hui Yang, Yan-qin Peng, and Yueh-ting Lee