Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a leadership model based on Confucian philosophy which would address the problem of lack of an ethical and philosophical basis in Western leadership theory. The inconclusive nature of Western leadership theory, which is amply demonstrated by the research conducted over the past fifty years, is primarily due to the reliance on a scientific and mechanistic approach to dealing with human problems. The philosophical and ethical teachings of Confucius form the basis of the leadership theory presented in this study. ;The Confucian concepts directly relating to leadership which need to be understood are the four cardinal virtues, balance and harmony, and the mandate of heaven. The first of the three models presented is the Macro Model of the Confucian Theory of Leadership, the second is the Micro Model of the Confucian Theory of Leadership and the third is the Growth Model of the Confucian Theory of Leadership. These models seek to understand social phenomena from the viewpoint of reciprocal and multidimensional relationships, and have a strong basis in philosophy, morality, and ethics