Human Excellence and Governance: The Confucius Challenge

Abstract

What can we learn today from a 2,500-year-old Chinaman who considered himself advisor of princes? Nothing, if we abide by the old adage, ‘other days, other ways’. But very much if we are willing to go along with Confucius. This theorist on human excellence uncompromisingly defended the idea of governance by and for the people—a notion that is just as pertinent today as it ever was. Sophie Faure and Françoise Tollet weigh current—and debatable—leadership practices against sometimes provocative Confucian viewpoints. We are brought into a discussion rooted in their personal experiences and trajectories to explore the obstacles, rewards, efficiency and sustainability of a governance system based on human excellence. This is no quest for yet another guru or a misplaced attempt at exoticism. The authors take us on a journey that will feed our own reflection as both managers and managees and that raises essential questions as to how leaders grow and mature.