110-212 Strategies for Business and Bureaucracy

Formerly available as 110-046. Students who have completed 110-046 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This course will introduce students to key notions of Chinese strategic thought: notions that influence how the Chinese people have developed strategies in business, bureaucracy, war, diplomacy and everyday living from imperial times to the present. In particular, the subject will deal with the ethical conflict between civil virtues and the military tradition of deceit and the use of force. The canonical literature, including the Sunzi Art of War, will be investigated both in its ancient context and in its modern-day interpretation. Strategies of everyday living such as the use of guanxi (the art of building relations), notions of face, gift-giving and courtesies will also be discussed, together with Chinese business strategies in the modern era. Students will acquire an understanding of core Chinese strategic notions and an ability to interpret case studies drawn from business and diplomacy.

Tutorial participation and written work totalling 4000 words.

Materials prepared by the Institute.