With the rise of China in the global economy, it has never been more important for business leaders to understand Chinese leadership philosophies and practices. This is the first book to explain how ancient Chinese thinking and Western ideas have shaped the development of leadership styles in China. Leadership theories associated with Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, the Arts of War, and the writings of Mao and Deng are analysed by both Chinese and Western experts. To set this in a modern business context, the book includes interviews with top executives, who reflect on how their business values are affected by ancient Chinese philosophers, modern Chinese leaders, and Western management writers and thinkers. The book also includes research on paternalistic leadership as practised by business leaders in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China.

'History has shown that China is a significant creator and repository of great philosophies. Yet we know little of Chinese philosophies on leadership. With China becoming a global economic and political force, we need to learn from and to understand Chinese leadership philosophies. This book fulfils that need, providing serious scholars and thoughtful executives with knowledge of the different Chinese leadership philosophies. The book is destined to become a classic.'

Michael A. Hitt - Texas A&M University

'Written by a slate of luminaries in the field, this book addresses leadership in the Chinese context, covering its philosophical underpinnings as well as contemporary scholarly research findings. This book is a must-read not only for those who need to interact with Chinese people, but also for people who want to leapfrog their leadership skills by tapping into the time-tested, profound wisdom of Chinese leadership.'

Kwok Leung - City University of Hong Kong

'This volume fills a significant gap in understanding Chinese leadership. Chen and Lee have assembled an excellent collection of essays that explain how the philosophers of the BC century like Confucius, Laozhi, Sunzi, Han Fei, and Xunzhi influence contemporary Chinese leadership theories and practices. It is an outstanding if not an essential reference for both managers and researchers who wish to understand Chinese leadership at a deeper level.'

Anne S. Tsui - Arizona State University and Editor-in-Chief of Management and Organization Review