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Sarawak State Library

Read.Innovate.Excel

Chinese Leadership: Moving from Classical to Contemporary

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Call no.
: 658.4092 SHE
Author
: Dr. Sheh Seow Wah
Contributor
: Salina Zawawi
Summary
The book is written in easy comprehended way for ordinary readers like me to read. It provides detailed characterizations of classical and contemporary leaders like Chinese philosopher – Confucius, Emperor Qin (Qin Dynasty) to the final Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong of Qing (Dynasty Qing-Manchurian) as well as to generals to overseas Chinese CEOs and building entrepreneurs like Mr. Robert Yap, CEO and Managing Director of YCH Group, Singapore, Mr. Jeffrey Koo Jr., the Chairman and CEO of Chinatrust Commercial Bank, Taiwan. This book focuses on the qualities and characteristics of an effective leader that determines success. One point in the book which caught my attention is about a Chinese saying, “true leaders are molded by their unique situations”, which the author says, once a person attains the leadership position, he will naturally act in accordance to the requirement of the environment. In the Chinese context, the author gives the example of the appointment of the eldest son to take charge of the family business is a common practice and yet many have created extraordinary results. Hence, through the reading, the bottom line of the message which I can conclude is that the emergence of effective leadership is not confined to a particular set of traits but instead depends on how well those traits integrate with the needs of the situation. It is a recommendable book to me, as it gives clear and a necessary overview of how Chinese history and culture mold its leaders throughout the ages. To me, it is an exciting read as it provides an unbiased insight into the reasons behind the successes and potential failings of the modern Chinese business organization.