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1 – 10 of over 5000The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to an indigenous community that lives in the periphery of Taiwan. The Tao were confronted with modernization beginning with the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to an indigenous community that lives in the periphery of Taiwan. The Tao were confronted with modernization beginning with the Japanese colonial time and later through missionary work and Sinicization. These exogenous factors had a major influence on the Tao's traditional lifestyle and cultural habits. After democratization and due to the Tao's empowerment and efforts of multicultural education as well as interactive learning applications, a revitalization of traditional knowledge, and cultural customs became visible.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is inspired by social scientific methods that are common in anthropological research. The data collection are based on ethnographic field work that provides a unique and authentic picture of the subject. Besides participating and systematic and informal observation, qualitative forms of interviews were applied.
Findings
The paper highlights the influences and dynamics of exogenous and endogenous factors on the traditional lifestyle of an indigenous community in the western Pacific. Due to global influences of modernity, the Tao's spiritual belief lost its importance and the traditional structures of the people began to change. However, the Tao were not only passive toward the transformation to a modern society, but they also contributed to the cultural revitalization on their own in terms of education and teaching management.
Originality/value
The paper provides valuable insights into an indigenous community in Taiwan and their way of dealing with modernity. After periods of structural discrimination, the people contributed to their own well-being and cultural revitalization with multicultural learning. In recent times, networks with other communities in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region were established to foster the empowerment of traditional ecological knowledge and to develop new adequate teaching technologies.
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Jing Qi, Catherine Manathunga, Michael Singh and Tracey Bunda
The purpose of this paper is to provide a micro historical account of the work of a key Chinese educational reformer, Tao Xingzhi (1891–1946), who transformed educational ideas…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a micro historical account of the work of a key Chinese educational reformer, Tao Xingzhi (1891–1946), who transformed educational ideas from John Dewey to effect social and cultural change in 1920s–1940s China.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines English and Chinese language sources, including Tao’s poetry, to present a fresh analysis of Tao’s epistemological life history. It draws upon transnational historical approaches to chart the multidirectional circulation of progressive education philosophies around the globe. It also explores some conceptual dimensions of Chinese historical thinking and historiographical strategies.
Findings
Tao Xingzhi engaged in critical intercultural knowledge exchange in implementing educational reforms in China. He blended and critiqued Chinese and Deweyian educational philosophies to create unique educational reform, which involved reversing some of Dewey’s approaches as well as adapting others.
Originality/value
This paper foregrounds Tao Xingzhi’s agency in transforming some of Dewey’s ideas in the Chinese context and challenges studies that adopt an “impact-response” approach to Tao’s contribution, which suggest a one-way flow of knowledge from a “modern” West to a “traditional” China. It brings hitherto unexplored Chinese language sources to an English-speaking audience, particularly Tao’s poetry, to gain new historical insights into Tao’s educational reforms. It contributes to transnational understandings of the multidirectional flows of knowledge about Progressive educational philosophies around the world.
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Written over 25 centuries ago in ancient China, the Tao Te Ching offers ideational principles and practical guidelines for today’s learning organizations. By portraying the energy…
Abstract
Written over 25 centuries ago in ancient China, the Tao Te Ching offers ideational principles and practical guidelines for today’s learning organizations. By portraying the energy patterns that recur throughout creation, the Tao provides new insights for planning and problem solving. By focusing on process, the Tao reveals the vital connection between personal growth and growth in organizations. Unlike mechanistic management that treats people like replaceable parts, leading with the Tao respects people and process, leveraging positive personal and organizational change to produce greater energy, innovation, and productivity.
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In this chapter, the author explores the principles of responsible management education through the lens of Taoism. This chapter begins by introducing the concepts of…
Abstract
In this chapter, the author explores the principles of responsible management education through the lens of Taoism. This chapter begins by introducing the concepts of knowledge-inquiry and wisdom-inquiry and highlights the differences between the two in the context of management education. The author emphasizes the importance of wisdom-inquiry in management education, arguing that it allows individuals to not only understand and analyze information but also to apply ethical considerations when making decisions. This chapter delves into how to synthesize knowledge and wisdom in education, highlighting the need for a balance between technical skills and ethical awareness in management education. This chapter concludes with an examination of the principles of managing talent by balancing competence and character. The author discusses how to hire for character and train for competence in human resources management and development. This approach involves focusing on developing individuals' character traits, such as integrity, compassion and empathy, in addition to their technical skills. This chapter demonstrates the value of incorporating Taoist principles into management education. When the importance of wisdom-inquiry, balancing competence and character, and developing ethical leaders is emphasized, management education can prepare individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape while promoting responsible business practices.
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Andrew Man Joe Ma and Bramwell Osula
This paper seeks to examine an emerging synergetic model of organizational leadership that is founded on Chinese Taoism and complex adaptive system (CAS).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to examine an emerging synergetic model of organizational leadership that is founded on Chinese Taoism and complex adaptive system (CAS).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is formed around a comparative analysis of two conceptual models – the CAS model that is founded on what is known as the new science and a more ancient model that is based on Chinese Taoism.
Findings
While the two models were developed more than 2,500 years apart, this paper shows a degree of alignment between Eastern wisdom and the latest Western scientific theory. The essence of what is characterized as Taoistic leadership emphasizes alignment with “The Way” and is based on the interplay of “Yin/Yang.” This is similar to the core elements of CAS that emphasizes the importance of “the Attractor” and the interplay of “Order/Disorder.”
Research limitations/implications
This paper points out the promise of a convergence of ancient wisdom from China, with the latest new science view on organizational behavior. The outcome is a complementary leadership model that is undergirded by both ethical values and scientific support.
Practical implications
This paper goes one step beyond traditional analyzes by dissecting the two key streams of Chinese philosophy, comparing and contrasting these with CAS.
Originality/value
Chinese leaders today tend to be influenced by a leadership style that can be broadly characterized as reflecting principles of Confucianism. These principles support a more hierarchical formulation of leadership and organizations that are more centralized and less adaptive to today's dynamic environment. This paper offers an alternative leadership model, grounded in the Tao philosophy that is said to be more accommodating of the complexities of organizational behavior today. It also offers value to Western leaders in appreciation of the ancient wisdom and values in Taoism relating to today's organizational behavior and leadership.
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Indicates that literature on facilities management is written from aWestern perspective with no reference to practices in the East:therefore suggests there is profit in…
Abstract
Indicates that literature on facilities management is written from a Western perspective with no reference to practices in the East: therefore suggests there is profit in integrating Oriental thinking with Western thinking. Takes the ideas of philosopher Lao Tzu and incorporates them with Western thinking to enhance the leadership effectiveness of the facilities manager. Concentrates on the text of the book Tao Te Ching and relates the ideas to management. Provides a summary of the main points of the 37 chapters in book I of Tao Te Ching and provides lessons from the 44 chapters of book II. Concludes that Lao Tzu′s teaching holds a wisdom for the modern team leader but suggests Western facilities management should take note as Western notions of ethics and leadership qualities have already caused erosion of Taoism and Confucianism in the East.
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This paper suggests that ancient Chinese business principles introduced by Tao Zhugong during the eastern Zhou dynasty (770‐221 BC) are still relevant for modern‐day business and…
Abstract
This paper suggests that ancient Chinese business principles introduced by Tao Zhugong during the eastern Zhou dynasty (770‐221 BC) are still relevant for modern‐day business and management practices at the individual, company and country level. The 24 business principles extracted from Tao Zhugong’s original 18 principles are presented in the paper with supporting real life cases drawn from the modern‐day business setting. The match between Tao Zhugong’s business principles and anecdotal cases suggests that these principles are relevant and are still practised today. The paper concludes by urging Western leaders, managers and businessmen to draw lessons for their own operations, especially if they have business dealings in China and with the Chinese in other parts of the world.
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Low Sui Pheng and Rajeshwar Sirpal
Considers the application of oriental philosophy Lao Tzu′s TaoTe Ching – to real estate marketing management, in order toenhance the effectiveness of the manager′s leadership role.
Abstract
Considers the application of oriental philosophy Lao Tzu′s Tao Te Ching – to real estate marketing management, in order to enhance the effectiveness of the manager′s leadership role.
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