Leadership in modern China: Old models to new

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to propose a leadership model for Chinese enterprises which could be suitable to the current diverse and changing environment in China. The Chinese business environment is under extraordinary pressures and its organizations face many challenges including integration into the global market. In the face of these challenges, it is very important to enhance the competitive position of Chinese organizations. A critical aspect of such an enhanced position is the leadership and management of Chinese businesses and enterprises. The current ideal leadership behaviors in contemporary China appear to be quite different from the more traditional style since leaders are challenged by a changing business environment driven by global dynamics and changing skills and expectations in the workforce. Chinese managers and leaders have more opportunities to be exposed to and draw from Western advanced managerial theories since China has largely opened itself to the world. Chinese leadership behaviors are none-the-less sculptured by Chinese customs, and leaders still carry on some traditional ways that reflect their culture. This study examines descriptions of preferred Chinese leadership behavior generated from an elite group of Chinese MBA students, themselves having been leaders in modern Chinese businesses. It proposes a leadership model which combines old and new styles together in a way designed to improve not only productivity and performance but also the relationship and connection with followers in order to lead Chinese organizations to success.