The business world is constantly on a change. Since Deng Xiao Ping directed the opening up of Chinese economy, China over the past three decades has achieved spectacular rise in global economy, whereby famed investor Jim Rogers dubbed 21st century belongs to China. Just as the British empire in the 19th century spread democracy and the American superpower in the 20th century doctrinate MBAs, Chinese management studies may constitute an important part of management studies and leadership development program in the near future.
Sun Tzu art of war is one of Chinese classic that has seen an immense application in modern day’s business policies. The book written by Sun Tzu over 2500 years ago is considered to be one of the most comprehensive writing on strategy. The popularity of art of war has grown such that it is recognized as one of the best sellers worldwide.
Sun Tzu Art of War covers the principle of survivial and illustrates the key principles to survival in competition. Art of war covers a broad spectrum of contemporary topics such as psychology, finance, organization management, leadership etc. Just like leadership theories, art of war may be easy to understand, but the ability to apply it remains a formidable challenge for many people. Nevertheless, it is still important to know the essence and key principles to success, even though the direct application is far from easy. The most recommended approach is to learning art of war is practising it through strategic thinking.
The Sun Tzu Art of War Institute (STI) is an independent, non-governmental International Think Tank based in Singapore with the mission to promote strategic thinking and leadership using Ancient Chinese strategies
Critics may question whether Sun Tzu art of war does ensure success. The answer is whether one consistently aligned the strategy to art of war. He who has the way may also lose the way and this depiction can be easily illustrated by the success and subsequent failure of many leaders, for example Hitler, with art of war. More importantly, art of war states that strategy is a battle of the minds, therefore whether a judgement is right or wrong is highly dependent on the competitor’s action and judgement. Secondly, art of war highlighted the possibility of modern concept: black swan’, which can sometimes awfully change the outcome of events.
The study of the preaching of the great Chinese philosopher, Confucius, has also become important in any leadership development program. The teaching of Confucius has great impact on both the social and economical lives of Chinese people and it is deeply entrenched in Chinese value and culture. Hence, to make a business successful it has therefore become important for the modern organizations to at least learn the practice the teaching of Confucius to understand Chinese thinking.
Confucianism preaches the importance of faithfulness, kindness, wisdom and uprightness in one’s life. Further, it put emphasis on incorporating the family like obligations within the workforce. It suggests that at times people would value spiritual gains over materialistic rewards. Confucianism is applied mostly during the stage of consolidation and settling of empire. This is to reconcile the differences and forge unity with a empire.
The current trends show that the importance of the studies of Chinese classics would only grow in the future. The professional certification on Chinese management is everyday becoming more popular amongst the managers. Some companies are also hiring the services of leadership consulting firms equipped with the knowledge of Sun Tzu art of war for evaluating the current potential of their present managers and suggesting the ways of improvement.
http://suntzuartofwar.org/
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