Understanding Entrepreneurial Strategy through the Work of Lao Tze's Philosophy: A case study of Haier in the People's Republic of China

摘要

This paper aims to explore the Tao school of thought as it may be applied to modem Chinese business. Using the case study method the Haier Group of companies based in the People's Republic of China is examined. The study describes the evolution of the organisation through four distinct phases and reviews the management style and philosophy of entrepreneur Zhang Ruimin who took a small and derelict collective-system-based refrigerator factory and transformed it over a twenty four year period into China's top home appliance brand name. The teachings of Taoism are applied to each of the phases the company has experienced during its lifetime.