Confucius Revisited: An Analysis of the Dingzhou Analects for Managerial Application and Understanding in China and Beyond

Abstract

Confucian principles have provided a foundation for much of Chinese culture, including managerial practice. The “Saying of Confucius” or the “Analects” gave the Chinese a behavioural framework and a set of values that has endured for thousands of years. Much of managerial practice in China can be traced to the Confucian tradition. With the recent discovery and translation of the oldest edition of the Analects, the Dingzhou manuscript, a better understanding of Confucianism can be achieved. This paper first explains the basic aspects of Confucian thought and then examines the new manuscript. It is suggested that the Dingzhou Analects have much relevance for modern day management, especially in the areas of leadership, human resource development, and ethical orientation.