Application of Confucius Leadership Model on Contemporary PM Principles

PRESENTED BY:
Group 4

PRESENTED BY:
Hazkeel Ahmad Muaaz
01-398191-040
Siraj-ur-Rehman
01-398191-102
Rabeea Iftikhar Chaudhary
01-398191-083
Zawata Noor
01-398191-121
Muhammad Abaid Ullah Khan
01-398191-058
Farheen Saleem
01-398191-031
Mohsin Ali Khan
01-398191-054
Contents
Abstract......................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction:..............................................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER NO 1: LITERAURE REVIEW............................................................................................5
1.1 Confucius Leadership model.......................................................................................................5
1.2 Project Management Principles...................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2: Methodology......................................................................................................................7
2.1 Theoretical Framework & Model:................................................................................................7
2.2 Research methodology:.................................................................................................................8
2.2.1 Data Collection.........................................................................................................................8
2.2.2 Results:...........................................................................................................................................9
Chapter 3 Implementation of Confucius Leadership Model on PM Principles............................12
3.0 Discussion:................................................................................................................................12
3.1 Planning.....................................................................................................................................12
3.2 Organizing.................................................................................................................................12
3.2.1 Attending other in the organization with tranquility..........................................................12
3.2.2 Being just and having moral courage.................................................................................13
3.2.3 Practicing Honesty and integrity........................................................................................13
3.2.4 Being aware of honor while being careful about dishonor.................................................13
3.3 Staffing......................................................................................................................................13
3.4 Leading and directing................................................................................................................14
3.4.1 Benevolence.......................................................................................................................14
3.4.2 Filial piety..........................................................................................................................14
3.4.3 Sense of Brotherhood.........................................................................................................15
3.5 Controlling.................................................................................................................................15
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................16
Research questionnaire.............................................................................................................................17
References.............................................................................................................................................18

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Abstract
In this paper, the authors interpreted the contemporary project manager’s principles under the
influence of Confucius leadership model. The Confucius leadership model gives prominence to a
corporate culture that emphasizes sustainable growth in individuals, harmonious relationship
between individual in an organizations and society as well as learning values. These features
bring many benefits including a healthy working environment and an efficient human resource
management. The Confucius leadership model when integrates with project management
principal provides a prudent approach for managing personnel and ultimately leads to effective
and efficient utilization of personnel which is a key to a successful project.

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Introduction:
The one question “what make a good leader/manager?” is being asked since ages and will be the
debatable question in futures eras. Although every theory over leadership and management has
different strengths and weakness but the analysis and combination of different attributes of
theories can make a good leader with perceptive education. Example of such leadership
principles also comes from Chinese philosopher Confucius. Chichung huang from the book
“analects of Confucius” translated the disciplines of Confucius for duties, roles and
responsibilities of Government leaders. The word “Leadership” is not explicitly mentioned in his
teachings but Confucius guided government authorities to develop specific qualities to lead
government and retail the mandate of heaven.
After 1950 a great deal of efforts were made to adopt best project management model to
optimize the project efficiency and effectiveness which leads to the changes in the
comprehension of the success factors of the project.(Yu Dan, 2010). Focus on the success
factors has been changed over the period of time from planning and controlling to risk
management but recently it’s been acknowledged that the best way to improve project
effectiveness and efficiency is by managing the people carrying out the project activities.
From past century a number of scholars have documented the characteristics of
Confucius leadership style however comparatively a little research has been performed to
understand the implementation of such leadership models on contemporary project management
styles. (Callaway, 2016; Carl, Gupta, & Javidan, 2004; de Luque & Javidan, 2004; Den Hartog,
2004; Emrich, Denmark, & Den Hartog, 2004; Gelfand, Bhawuk, Nishii, & Bechtold,2004;
Javidan, 2004). In this research paper the authors synchronize the Confucius leadership model
with project management’s principals.
In this paper the authors defined contemporary project management principles according
to Confucianism. The main objective of this research is to allow the practitioners to improve the
fit of management principles to improve the project outcome.
Management in Project can be best described as the venture of making people to work
collectively to achieve project goals by effectively and efficiently utilizing the available
resources. (Witzel,2003; Fayol, 1949; 1930; 1917 cited in University of London, 1994).
Project Management include but not limited to following main Characteristics.
• Initiating and Planning
• Organizing
• Staffing
• Leading
• Controlling and monitoring

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CHAPTER NO 1: LITERAURE REVIEW

1.1 Confucius Leadership model

Although Confucius does not mention “leaders” or “leadership” directly, many of his teachings
on government and becoming a “gentlemen” can be applied to these topics.  A leader’s primary
purpose is to serve the people.  Together, these two facets (leader and people), work as a team to
clear a path toward a common goal.  Through motivation, teaching, and guidance, the leader
assists the people in reaching their fullest potential.  Confucius highlighted the duties of a leader
by explaining the proper way to think, act, and make decisions in government positions.
The authors applied Confucian values and its practices from a collection of short literary or
philosophical extracts available and examine and implement the ways of Old Master to project
manager’s principals.
China’s one of famous philosopher, thinker, theorist and politician teacher Confucius lived
between 551-479 BC. The philosophy of Master Confucius is known as Confucianism giving
prominence to personnel morality, correctness, social relationship, justice and sincerity.
Confucius is considered as the most important and influential individuals in shaping human
history. His teaching and philosophy greatly impacted people around the world and remains
influential today.
There are five highlighted virtues of Confucianism from which the model of Confucius
leadership can be derived. The first virtue is referred to as ‘’Ren’’ this quality denotes benignity,
selflessness and humanity (Park & Chesla, 2007). As per this doctrine all people are considered
to be capable of ‘’Ren’’ and therefore may become contributors to develop harmonious
relationships (Ackerly, 2005).
The second virtue is “Yi” according to this virtue, one is to provide fair treatment to others
despite differences and irrespective of their color, cast and creed (Park & Chesla, 2007). It is
often used with ‘’Ren’’ as a theoretical support for employee empowerment. A traditional view
that “the peoples will” is “the heavens will” describes a responsibility of a leader to make
decision based on group consensus (Xu, 2006). This ideal promotes from a distributive justice
which allows all group members to participate in decision making.
The next virtue is “li” which elaborates the boundaries of good/proper behavior, social orders,
social etiquettes and effective mode of actions. This virtue focuses on knowing ones potential,
level of satisfaction of an individual with ones responsibilities (Hadley, 1997). As a result of the
concept of Li, concrete social hierarchies have developed, whereby each member of an
organization has a distinct role as either a superior or subordinate.

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The forth virtue is “Chih", describes the ability to distinguish between good and bad. This
capacity is thought to be originated through self-cultivation (Park & Chesla, 2007). Since self-
cultivation promotes individual training and development it may support empowerment of
subordinates, as well as implementation of employee-oriented managerial styles.
The Fifth virtue is “Shin” it describe trust that can be achieved by living a life without deception
(Park & Chesla, 2007).
Since virtue are thought to be everlasting, they must be followed irrespective of time.

1.2 Project Management Principles

Management in Project can be best described as the venture of making people to work
collectively to achieve project goals by effectively and efficiently utilizing the available
resources. Project management is a complex activity with various dimensions. The complexity of
management activities may vary depending upon the type of project. In short project
management is process of planning, organizing, managing, leading, delegating, monitoring, and
controlling all the aspects of project. Project Management include but not limited to Mentioned
principles.
Planning is the key framework for completion of project successfully. It requires suitable
and standard documents to develop comprehensive project. Good Planning is referred as way to
manage unsettled and competitive project environment (A. O. Oparanma, D. I. Hamilton, and S.
A. Jaja 2009: 1). For effective and efficient planning active participation of the entire project
team is required in decision making. Planning is process of defining objectives of project) M. B.
Baridam), hence Project manager need to hold team hold for achieving project objectives
effectively.
Organizing the tasks of the project involves the assigning of tasks grouping of tasks and
allotment of resources across the organization. Lack in organizing the project and its resources
keep Project manager away from extensive Planning and may lose his forte (Culligan, 1993: 37)
Hence project manager must organize the project tasks which he has to lead and control (Karlof,
and Lovingson, 2005: 5).
In project management, the process of staffing involves recruiting the potential workers
by evaluating their skills, knowledge and then offering them specific tasks and roles accordingly.
In simple words hiring is to attract external human resources while retaining the inside workers.
If the nation (organization) is well-run, others will hear of it and then come to live there (Hanyu
Pinyin: Hanyu Pinyin: jìn zhě shuō, yuǎn zhě lái Analects of Confucius XIII: 16).
Commanding or directing is key principle of project management. Workers will know
accurately about what is required from them when given commands and clear working
instructions. If direction phase is not right then Planning, organizing and staffing is of no use
(Management Study Guide, 2012). Project Managers who are successful have integrity, transfer
information clearly and base their decisions on regular examinations.

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CHAPTER 2: Methodology

2.1 Theoretical Framework & Model:

Independent Variables:
Confucius Leadership Virtues:
 Ren (Selflessness)
 Yi (Fair Treatment)
 Li (Social Orders)
 Chih (Ability to differentiate between right and wrong)
 Shin (Growing Trust)
Dependent Variables:
Contemporary Project Management Principles:
 Planning
 Organizing
 Staffing
 Directing
 Controlling
Theoretical Framework

Ren (Selflessness)

Contemporary Project Management Principles

Yi (Fair Treatment) Planning

Organizing
Li (Social Orders)
Staffing

Directing

Chih (Ability to Controlling

differentiate
between right and
wrong)

Shin (Growing
Trust)

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Non-Directional Hypothesis:
H1= Ren (Selflessness) has an impact on Contemporary Project Management Principles.
H2= Yi (Fair Treatment) has an impact on Contemporary Project Management Principles.
H3= Li (Social Orders) has an impact on Contemporary Project Management Principles.

H4= Chih (Ability to differentiate between right and wrong) has an impact on Contemporary
Project Management Principles.
H5= Shin (Growing Trust) has an impact on Contemporary Project Management Principles.
Directional Hypothesis:
H1= Ren (Selflessness) has positive impact on Contemporary Project Management Principles.
H2= Yi (Fair Treatment) has positive impact on Contemporary Project Management Principles.
H3= Li (Social Orders) has positive impact on Contemporary Project Management Principles.
H4= Chih (Ability to differentiate between right and wrong) has positive impact on
Contemporary Project Management Principles.
H5= Shin (Growing Trust) has positive impact on Contemporary Project Management
Principles.

2.2 Research methodology:

In research methodology we are employing both qualitative and quantitative approach to
our research. The qualitative approach will help us to examine or improvised the study or
research papers of different scholars which have done previously. The literature review includes
all the published articles collected from the digital library of HEC and other online scientific
paper stores.
The quantitative analysis approach will guide us to quantify the feedback or reviews of different
Project Management Professionals and their team members on our queries regarding Confucius
principles applied to the project management principles. The compilation of both the approaches
we used will lead us to the certain results for our model and later on we will compare the result
of each study.

2.2.1 Data Collection

A descriptive research design with Questionnaire method is applied in the study. We have
used the primary data for the purpose of this study. To collect primary data, we got the
questionnaire filled in both hard and soft copy from different respondents (Managers and
Manages) within different organizations. We have collected data from 117 Respondents.
Different scales were used to gather data.
A simple 5-point strongly disagree to strongly agree scale is used. After gathering
questionnaire, the obtained data was fed to SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences).
The data have been processed and analyzed by correlation analysis and regression analysis.

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2.2.2 Results:
Correlations

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The table shows that there is strong positive relationship among REN and consumer CPMP, as
the correlation among both variables placed at 0.580 that expresses 1% level of significance.
Whereas the YI illustrates strong positive correlation with CPMP is 0.690 that shows 1% level of
significance. The correlation among LI and CPMP stands at 0.650 that indicates perfect
relationship as increase in LI status would improve the level of CPMP. While, the correlation
among CHIH and CPMP also shows strong positive relationship, as the correlation among both
variables stands at 0.230 with 1% level of significance. Correlation between SHIN and CPMP is
0.850 which shows strong positive relation. Overall, all the independent variables; REN, YI, LI,
CHIH and SHIN has directly linked with the dependent variable CPMP.

Regression
Table 2
Model Summary

a. Predictors: (Constant), SHIN, REN, LI, YI, CHIH

Table 3
ANOVAa

a. Dependent Variable: CPMP

b. Predictors: (Constant), SHIN, REN, LI, YI, CHIH

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Table 4
Coefficientsa

a. Dependent Variable: CPMP

Table reveals that the coefficient of determinant placed at 0.539 which postulates that
only 53% variation in the CPMP were elucidated by RIN, LI, YU, CHIH and SHIN 47%
variations are remain mysterious due to unfamiliar factors. Table 4 further discloses that the
value of F-statistics positioned at 133.3 which depicts regression model has statistically
significant. The positive sign of slope coefficient indicates that improvement in RIN, LI, YU,
CHIH bring CPMP in the project, as slope coefficient stands at 0.469, 0.539, 0.549, 0.521 and
0.613 respectively. The value of t-statistic for independent variables RIN, LI, YU, CHIH placed
at 12.562, 10.193, 10.295, 11.716 and 12.108 respectively which demonstrates significant
relationship with CPMP at 99% level of confidence. The results indicates that increase in such
factor may lead CPMP.

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Chapter 3 Implementation of Confucius Leadership Model on PM
Principles
3.0 Discussion:
The findings of our research depict that attributes of Confucianism (REN, YI, LI, CHIH
and SHIN) have significant impact on project management principles. Taking above virtues into
account we have concluded that if a project manager or leader adopt these virtues during
processes of Planning, Organizing, Staffing and Controlling he can influence the project performance
effectively and efficiently. Hence we have discussed the implementation of the virtues in all the principles
of Project management below.

3.1 Planning
The first one is planning or generating an idea. Active participation of the entire project
team is required in it. Planning must be related to and matched on time and should be
implemented on various levels. It should essentially take the project’s available resources and
flexibility of workers into account as this will promise stability. When working and handling a
project, a project manager needs to think i-e to plan.
As said by Confucius “a craftsmen must prepare his tools before in order to do well”.
This mean if a project manager want to achieve maximum he needs to ensure optimum planning.
According to Confucius everyone is capable and manager must ensure maximum participation in
decision making especially in planning phase as it is a way to get employee commitment and
give a sense of ownership to the employees. A project manager according to Confucians guides
all the team members during entire planning period. Growing a potent and skilled human capital
according Confucius is a way to increase the fruitfulness of a project.

3.2 Organizing
After planning comes organizing the tasks of the project it involves the assigning of tasks
grouping of tasks and allotment of resources across the organization. Confucius once said that
never limp off in your position and always fulfill your responsibilities loyally. According to
Master Confucius while assigning task one must observe justice and equality without
discriminating among the team member by their color cast or creed.

3.2.1 Attending other in the organization with Harmony

Practicing affection and harmony with others in organization is related to the concept of
respect and brotherhood and helping one another. As per Confucianism a responsible and
effective manager can resolve organizational conflicts by focusing on following practices
The manager looks for peace and harmony among self and others by working on others nature to
cultivate one's virtue carefully.
A project manager seeks to harmonize the team by developing the sense of mutual responsibility.

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To mitigate the occurrence of conflict a managers tries to create a humane environment in the
organization in which selfish goals are overwhelm by organizational goals.
With the implementation above mentioned strategies a project manager can create a cooperative
and collaborative environment for the team to work effectively.

3.2.2 Being just and having moral courage

“A gentle man regards morality as the absolute virtue along with bravery but devoid of
morality, a gentleman will stage a revolt while a pretty man will become bandit”. This implies
that once the tasks are assigned one must practice moral courage and integrity, it is applicable to
all team members.
As per the Master being aware and cautious of shamefulness a manger will set good
example for his/her team members to emulate high integrity and staying upright in their roles and
responsibilities. Dishonor and disgrace can be taken as loss of respect .one can say that it is
human nature to aspire from honor and integrity .And having no sense of shamefulness can lead
to corrupt practices.

3.2.3 Practicing Honesty and integrity

Integrity is a concept of consistency in principles methods values, actions and practices.
Integrity ensures that one doesn’t get greedy or selfish in his or her ways .When a manager
consider such attributes the whole team anchored in consistency of values and in most ways
prevent corporate fraud.

3.2.4 Being aware of honor while being careful about dishonor.

It is human nature to aspire from honor and lack of honor mean no respect and this
ultimately affect the authority of the project manager as if team doesn't respect the project
manager the team is less likely to obey his or her orders. A Confucian manager always tries to
avoid shameful and disrespectful acts that may jeopardizes his authority and position in the
organization.

3.3 Staffing
Hiring and recruiting is to attract outside human resource while retaining the internal
human resource of an organization for the project activities. In this relatedness ,the Confucians
concepts and values of loyalty and management of talent is ought to be practiced .With the
incorporation of Confucian rectification of name brotherhood and trust would be established
among employees and this would ultimately leads to employee commitment .
Loyalty can be defined as commitment to obligation in terms of project management and can
only be prevailed if the manger and the team members all share same vision .Employees loyalty
also results in growing employee’s maturity in their experience.

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3.4 Leading and directing
Directing is the part where actual work starts. When given orders and clear working
instructions, employees will know exactly what is required of them. Successful managers have
integrity, communicate clearly and base their decisions on regular audits. They are capable of
motivating a team and encouraging employees to take initiative. Directing is the function of
guiding, inspiring, overseeing and instructing people towards accomplishment of Project’s goals.
Following concepts and values of Confucius leadership model can be implemented on this
process of project management.

3.4.1 Benevolence
Confucius urges manager to direct project team with care and concern. This will result in
increase of respect for manager and he/she will be most liked person by the team for being
amiable and friendly. Team will be very open to manager on any sort of problem because of the
kindness shown by manager to his/her team. More the team is comfortable with project manager
more will be the productivity of the project because everything will be opened up and would be
resolved immediately. Confucius gives significance of benevolence through adopting the
following qualities.
First of which is that a manager should work on his/her self-growth and groom his
morality and self-respect, this way his/her team will realize the gravity of manager’s personality
and in return team will respect him/her. Secondly manager should enhance his capacity to
tolerate his team while dealings with them as this will help him to gain their support. Third
quality is being honest in his actions and being trustworthy person, that way he earns the trust of
his team working under him and supervising him. This can help manager gain trust and
satisfaction of stakeholders as well.
Fourth is being committed and diligent in his work in order to carve his way toward
success. Final one is being kind and generous toward his team or people connected to that
project. By doing this people will be obliged to help him in return of his generosity.

3.4.2 Practicing piety

In Confucian filial piety means respecting parents, elders and ancestors. Practice of filial
piety is utmost requirement to attain peace and harmony in all social relationships of society.
Regarding filial piety Confucius once said “do not disobey the rites”. That means be respectful
and grateful to superiors. In terms of project management it means one should obey his superior.
This attributes focus more on project team that team member should be loyal and respectful to
their superior by obeying the orders n fulfill their responsibilities with loyalty. Team should be
hard working, enhance their productivity and obey manager’s instructions faithfully in order to
achieve project goals efficiently. Along with that manager should also practice filial piety to
guide his/her team to achieve the goals and objectives of project?

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3.4.3 Sense of Brotherhood
Confucius philosophy refers Sense of brotherhood to sense of equality. If you are kind
and respectful to team and treat your team equally, team stand by you in time of need. Being
kind and friendly is good motivational practice for team building process. Team need to generate
the sense of equality among each other, respect each other and work together. It helps in
motivating the team by fulfilling social needs i-e respect and affection. By practicing this
attribute development and training of team take place, which enhances the mutual performance
of team, and it leads to success of the project.

3.5 Controlling
Leading by example gives the manager of the project undisputable authority. Controlling
involves foreseeing, monitoring and taking actions to control any deviation from standard
.Control in project management implies setting standards, measuring performance and taking
corrective measures. In Confucian way quality leading/directing brings good control and develop
a sense of trust with in team. It is important in managing people to gain the trust of the team
members when one gives order to them Leaders and manager must know how to effectively
frame events to implement control. While managing talent the manager should be very careful in
identifying his candidates in order to in order to train them to perform better in the future.
Teachings of Confucius shows that implementing social rituals and organization structure is a
way of ensuring solidity in an organization. A good understanding of Confucian teachings of
rituals leads one to tenderly link the former terms to the core social values.

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Conclusion
Conclusively the teachings of master Confucian paved a way for effective  management/
leadership and in the light of Masters teaching it would be prudent for a project manager to
perform his/her duties at fullest while managing a project in efficient manner. This can be
achieved by incorporating Confucian teachings into project management as it can be seen from
the research that the Confucian teaching have a strong impact on contemporary principles.
Confucian teaching further signifies the individual moral cultivation such as delivering one’s
responsibilities with loyalty and further influencing and transforming others to do the same so
that the ultimate team goals and social harmony can be realized. Confucian management would
attain team spirit harmony, trustworthiness, loyalty and show transparency in their work and
their dealings. Confucian management model develops a sense of brotherhood among team
members. Bravery and self-respect is also an important attribute that a project manager must
have as it allows a project manager to take necessary but bold step in a righteous manner that is
very crucial factor while managing a project. Indeed one can say that managing a project is all
about planning, organizing , staffing leading and controlling a project in an effective manner and
a manger must set an example by working hard ,loyally transparently and without prejudice and
influencing the people to work alongside team to achieve desired collective goals using available
resources efficiently.

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Research questionnaire
1. To increase the efficiency of project team the Project manager should empower project
team in process of decision making.
2. Empowerment of the project team uplift the management process accuracy.
3. Unbiased management of team will increase the efficiency of project. As a manager how
much you agree or disagree with this statement?
4. Distribution of tasks and organizing part of management process is vital for reaching goal
effectively.
5. On rites if the connection between the team become stronger it will integrates with a
project. As a team member how much you agree/disagree to this statement?
6. If employee is entrusted by Manager/Leader, he/she carries out task effectively. At what
degree you agree/disagree that it is important to gain the trust of project team or
subordinates by manager/leader?
7. The moral and ethical values of leader should never be compromised. To what extent do
you agree/disagree to this statement?
8. The most important part of running an efficacious project is the connection between the
leader and his team members. To what extent do you agree/disagree to this statement?
9. A leader cannot control the results of his/her projects without enough information about a
specific subject. As manager at what magnitude you agree/disagree to this statement?
10. For the virtue of reciprocity, team selflessness is essential for execution of the project. To
what extent do you agree/disagree to this statement?
11. Leadership skills are the most important skills for project planning. To what extent do
you agree/disagree to this statement?
12. Leading/Directing strategy can be used for working with underperforming team member?
13. Decision making skills are required to be an effective project manager. To what degree
do you agree/disagree to this statement?
14.Controlling overall project helps in maintaining the performance of project team.

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