Confucian virtue ethics and ethical leadership in modern China

Yuan, L., Chia, R. and Gosling, J. (2023) Confucian virtue ethics and ethical leadership in modern China. Journal of Business Ethics, 182(1), pp. 110-133. (doi: 10.1007/s10551-021-05026-5)

Abstract

Research on ethical leadership in organizations has been largely based on Western philosophical traditions and has tended to focus on Western corporate experiences. Insights gained from such studies may however not be universally applicable in other cultural contexts. This paper examines the normative grounds for an alternative Confucian virtue-based ethics of leadership in China. As with Western corporations, organizational practices in China are profoundly shaped by their own cultural history and philosophical outlook. The ethical norms guiding both the practice and theory of leadership in China are underpinned by indigenous Chinese wisdoms imbued in their own traditions and China’s collective psyche. Focusing on three fundamental aspects of Confucian virtue ethics: ren (仁 benevolence), yi (义 righteousness) and li(礼 ritual propriety), this paper proposes that an ideal Confucian leader regards self-cultivation as a first priority; status and material gain, whilst important, are not the foremost concern. S/he exemplifies the virtuous role model, exudes moral charisma and influences others by shaping an organization’s ethical culture through the process of ritualization. The paper concludes by claiming that amplifying the explicit discourse around Confucian virtue ethics will help contribute to the development of better ethical leadership in China.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding was provided by the National Social Science fund of China (17BZX110).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Chia, Professor Robert
• Authors: Yuan, L., Chia, R., and Gosling, J.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: Journal of Business Ethics
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0167-4544
• ISSN (Online): 1573-0697
• Published Online: 03 January 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Business Ethics 182(1): 110-133
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy