Title: The C-Theory: on Chinese philosophical approach to decision making, leadership and management

Authors: Chung-Ying Cheng

Addresses: University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2500 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA

Abstract: Extending from the distinction between two polarities of management philosophy, rationalistic management (RM) and humanistic management (HM), I propose that we must recognise the creative principle (C-principle) of applying the whole understanding of things and human persons to each problem of management just as we must weigh each decision against a vision of the whole of both knowledge and value which interact in complex cultural contexts. Thus, the C-principle emphasises that management is an integral part of the transformation of humanity. Furthermore, it incorporates the use of scientific knowledge and technology side by side with various functions and ends of humanity in an open system of generation, balance and incessant development in both external focus on worldly changes and internal focus on human needs and their harmonisation. The letter C stands for creativity, change, culture, Chinese tradition and Confucianism and their creative and best syntheses for managerial practices.

Keywords: C-theory; Chinese philosophy; decision making; leadership; systems perspectives; rationalistic management; humanistic management; creative principle; cultural contexts; transformation; humanity; scientific knowledge; technology; values; balance; development; change; human needs; harmony; harmonisation; creativity; culture; Chinese traditions; Confucianism; Confucius; managerial practices; business; systems research; China; strategic management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2010.035073

International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 2010 Vol.4 No.5/6, pp.510 - 540

Published online: 02 Sep 2010 *

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