Confucius: The Forgotten Management Theorist

Abstract

Although the management literature is now quite extensive in identifying many important contributors to the discipline, it still maintains an American and European focus. This paper has proposed that the Chinese philosopher Confucius was an early and important management theorist. Confucius was an early management consultant, traveling China, offering advice to any government leader who would listen. His advice is not inconsistent with the advice offered by leading behaviorally-oriented management consultants today. Organisational science has been advanced by individuals from many parts of the world, including important contributions from Asia, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. This paper has proposed that the Western view of management emphasises an American and European tradition, however, important contributors to management theory and practice are often not recognised in this narrow perspective. Readers are advised to look beyond the traditional boundaries in seeking time-honored advice in managing modern organisation. Born 500 years before Christ, the great Chinese philosopher Confucius prepared the groundwork for effective managerial practice. Although most Westerners know of Confucius, few know of his significant contributions in management theory. Confucius was a great advocate of training, personal development, and visionary leadership. His advice on teamwork and employee empowerment predates current proponents by over 2000 years. This paper describes the managerial implications found in the Confucian Analects.