Abstract
We argue that, apart from ethics derived from Judeo-Christian traditions, Chinese philosophy – notably Confucianism – can also be a repository of ethical considerations that could facilitate the implementation of good business practice. Confucianism, with its many forms during Chinese history, is preoccupied with human relationships and the way virtues such as benevolence, righteousness, and reciprocity can be beneficial to a harmonious society. Life-long learning and a constant process of self-reflection are emphasized for leaders, who lead by moral example. The application of Confucian values and virtues to management is focused on doing business in an ethical way, that is, reconciling profits with ethics in the concept of the “honorable merchant.”
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Niedenführ, M., Hennig, A. (2022). Confucianism and Ethics in Management. In: Neesham, C., Reihlen, M., Schoeneborn, D. (eds) Handbook of Philosophy of Management. Handbooks in Philosophy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76606-1_48
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