Daoist Strategic Management: The Realm of Foresight

Author: Cao Jun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-02-07
Features: Taoism often discusses military strategy and tactics, while Confucianism governs the state under the banner of "benevolence and righteousness." In fact, both Taoism and Confucianism have their own unique ways. Compared to Confucianism, Taoism is more like a good physician, healing and saving people in chaotic times. In contrast, Confucianism is like a farmer who cultivates and nurtures people's hearts of benevolence and righteousness in peaceful times.
In modern times, with the rapid development of the economy, numerous domestic and foreign companies have been swept up in this economic frenzy. The competition between companies, the game between companies and the market, and the revolution of new technologies are all permeated with the law of "survival of the fittest." The meaning of this law is nearly equivalent to what Laozi called the "Dao"—a general term for the laws of nature.
The Tao Te Ching as a whole discusses the laws of the occurrence and development of things, as well as how people should adapt to these laws to align with the emergence and evolution of the "Dao." This has a close connection to the understanding and formulation of strategy, as well as the progress of strategic implementation. Therefore, it is easy to understand why ancient Chinese strategists would cite the Tao Te Ching as the foundation of military strategy theory.
Thus, the competitive relationship between companies is akin to opposing forces on a battlefield. Consequently, introducing Laozi's "Dao" into the discussion of corporate strategy becomes a natural and inevitable process. This is also where the greatness of Laozi is reflected.