The contextualization and de-contextualization of Confucian morality: Making Confucianism relevant to China’s contemporary challenges in business ethics

Abstract

In response to serious ethical problems in China, Confucianism is being invoked as a possible solution. We argue that to apply Confucianism as a useful resource for developing business ethics in China, two processes are needed—contextualization and de-contextualization. This paper puts Confucian moral concepts back into their original context for more accurate interpretation and better understanding, and then discusses the adjustments that need to be made before applying them in today’s business environment. Five important Confucian concepts—ren, yi, li, zhi, and xin—are examined and two suggestions are provided for the effective application of Confucian morality in business ethics in present-day China: the introduction of codified ethics and a clear focus on individual behavior.