Confucian Leadership and the Rising Chinese Economy

Abstract

Since the 1990s, China's burgeoning economy has drawn worldwide attention. Much economic research has focused on the formative role of Confucianism in the development of Chinese culture and its ongoing influence in motivating Chinese leaders past and present. Analysis of Confucianism illuminates its relationship to the rising Chinese economy. The discussion in this article conceptualizes the Confucian notion of leadership, proposes that the culture of Confucian leadership is a primary reason for the impressive growth of the Chinese economy, and offers Confucian-based suggestions for the further development of the knowledge base of leaders worldwide.