The Chinese Principles of Project Management
Introduction
Chinese principles of project management are rooted in traditional philosophies like Confucianism and Taoism, emphasizing harmony, relationship-building (guanxi), and a paternalistic leadership style. These principles focus on building trust, balancing stakeholders’ interests, creating a harmonious work environment, and being adaptable and pragmatic to manage risks and achieve project goals.
Confucianism
Confucianism is an ancient Chinese ethical and philosophical system based on the teachings of Confucius (Kong Fuzi) that emphasizes morality, social harmony, and education. It provides a framework for correct behaviour through concepts like filial piety (respect for parents and elders) and the five cardinal relationships (e.g., ruler and subject, parent and child). It is variously considered a tradition, philosophy, or religion, and its core principles have significantly shaped East Asian culture.
Core tenets
Filial piety: Deep respect for one’s parents, elders, and ancestors is a foundational virtue.
Five cardinal relationships: Hierarchical relationships define social order: father and son, elder and younger brother, husband and wife, elder and younger friend, and ruler and subject.
Humaneness (Ren) and propriety (Li): Key virtues include benevolence, righteousness, honesty, loyalty, and adhering to proper etiquette and ritual.
Education and self-cultivation: Confucianism stresses the importance of education as a means to develop moral character and a virtuous life.
Taoism
Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion centred on the Tao, or “the Way,” which is the fundamental, natural principle of the universe. It emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao by embracing principles like simplicity, compassion, humility, and “wu wei” (non-action or effortless action). Its primary text is the Tao Te Ching, and its core beliefs include the balance of opposites (yin and yang) and a focus on a natural, non-materialistic lifestyle.
Core beliefs and principles
The Tao: The ultimate, ineffable, and eternal reality that is the source and substance of the entire universe. All things are unified and connected through the Tao.
Yin and Yang: The concept that the world is composed of complementary, interconnected forces, such as light and dark, action and non-action.
Wu Wei: A principle of “effortless action” or non-purposeful action, which encourages going with the flow of nature rather than forcing things.
The Three Treasures: The core virtues of compassion, frugality, and humility.
Simplicity and Humility: A rejection of excessive ambition and a focus on living simply, reducing selfishness, and having few desires.
Spiritual Immortality: A belief in a form of spiritual immortality where the spirit joins the universal force of the Tao after death.
Practice and application
Harmony with Nature: The goal of a Taoist is to live in balance and harmony with the natural world and the Tao.
Ethics: Taoism advocates for behaviors like kindness, helpfulness, and compassion, while disapproving of killing, stealing, and lying.
Personal cultivation: Practices such as meditation, breath control, and dietary regimens are used to cultivate the Tao within oneself and achieve greater vitality and longevity.
Deities: While the Tao itself is not worshipped as a god, Taoism incorporates many deities, often seen as part of the universe and subject to the Tao, sometimes structured as a heavenly bureaucracy.
History and development
Origins: Taoism originated in China and is deeply rooted in Chinese customs and worldview.
Lao Tzu: It is traditionally associated with the philosopher Lao Tzu, who is said to have written the Tao Te Ching around 500 B.C.E.
Historical influence: Taoism became a semi-official religion during the Tang and Song dynasties and has influenced Chinese culture profoundly.
Key principles of Chinese Project Management
Harmony and balance: A core tenet is to create a harmonious working environment and balance the needs of all stakeholders. This often involves an understanding of zōngyōng zhī dào, or the “way of the mean”.
Guanxi (Relationships): Building strong personal relationships and a network of trust is crucial for influence, acquiring information, and navigating a project. This is a cornerstone of how projects are managed in China, according to PMI.
Paternalistic leadership: The leader is expected to be a paternal, modest figure who acts as a gentleman, inspiring and guiding the team with good manners and a focus on their well-being.
“If you can’t maintain modesty you will be humiliated by others.” Book of Changes
Adaptability and pragmatism: Principles like the “bamboo spirit” emphasize the importance of flexibility and being able to adapt to changing circumstances.
Risk management: Traditional philosophies, particularly the “Book of Changes“, have fostered a belief that managing risk and understanding change is a key to project success, explains Sveučilište u Zagrebu.
Click here for an illustrated version of the the Book of Changes.
“You will surely feel regret for your hesitation and even more so for your
slow actions.” Book of Changes
Social responsibility: A broader, higher perspective that considers personal and organizational well-being, development, and social justice is fundamental to management activities.
How these principles are applied
Project planning: Instead of just focusing on the technical aspects, significant effort is placed on building the right guanxi network with stakeholders to ensure project buy-in.
Team management: Leaders are expected to foster a positive and supportive atmosphere, using their influence to guide and motivate the team, with the goal of making work feel more effortless for the team members, as seen in this article from NMIMS.
Observation
“Observe common people by your side before you decide to advance or to
retreat.” Book of Changes
Decision-making: Decision-making is a balancing act, considering the long-term social and ethical implications of the project in addition to the immediate practicalities.
Managing Stress
“Meditate late at night; changes will take place after it is done, but no
calamity.” Book of Changes
Handling Lawsuits
“If you have enough to eat and drink, you may handle lawsuit cases
smoothly.” Book of Changes
Being Respectful
“Being respectful from the beginning—this is right since nobody will blame
a polite person.” Book of Changes
Flexibility: Project managers are expected to be flexible and adjust their approach to fit stakeholder expectations and market realities, a lesson from historical figures like Sun Yat-Sen.
Sun was influences by Western principles of democracy and modernity, and baptized in Hong Kong on 4 May 1884 by Rev. Charles Robert Hager, an American missionary of the Congregational Church of the United States (American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions), to his brother’s disdain. The minister would also develop a friendship with Sun. Sun attended To Tsai Church, founded by the London Missionary Society in 1888, while he studied medicine in Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese. Sun pictured a revolution as similar to the salvation mission of the Christian church. His conversion to Christianity was related to his revolutionary ideals and push for advancement.