Confucian Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Way Forward

Abstract

In the face of accelerating tumult and change, leaders and policy makers need or should seek new ways of thinking and actions to sustain business performance and growth in line with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Asian countries including China, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan and Singapore are fast emerging or becoming dominant global business players; the recent rapid heating and rise of the Chinese economy has an impact on the overall global economy as well as the balance of power in the world. It is interesting to note that all the said Asian countries have been influenced historically in one way or another by the Confucianism and its form and style of leadership. In this paper, the authors interpret and present Confucian leadership and business lessons derived from the wisdom of Confucius. From Confucian leadership come the emphasis on positive business dealings and harmonious relationships as well as the value of learning and education; and these bring many benefits and good practices including good business management and corporate social responsibility. The understandings and practices of Confucian leadership in a business organization coupled with the awareness, theory and applications of the corporate social responsibility can indeed bring much peace, learning and economic growth for both the organizational and communal well-being in the region.