The Impact of Confucianism on Organizational Communication.

Confucianism has been identified as the major cultural factor that explains the economic success of the Asian Five Dragons (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan). This paper explores the impact of Confucianism on the organizational communication in these nations, based on the four key principles of confucian teaching: the hierarchical relationship, the family system, "Jen" (benevolence), and the emphasis on education. The paper notes that the confucian emphasis on education at all levels has become one of the most important characteristics of Chinese culture, and the tradition is carried over to every Asian nation, especially the Asian Five Dragons. The paper further discusses the influence of these four principles of Confucianism on management behaviors and communication in the organization. The paper also explains the implication of Confucianism's influence on organizational communication. Three tables presenting Confucian principles and their relation to interpersonal communication, management, and organizational communication are included. (Contains 42 references.) (Author/RS)