Chinese Confucianism in Australia - Case Study Example

Chinese Confucian in Australia Name Course Date Abstract Confucianism refers to East Asian ethical and philosophical system that originated from the early Chinese sage Confucius. The concept of Confucianism involves complex system associated with moral, religious, political, and social thoughts that have tremendous effects on cultural practices. Through the years, the Chinese population in Australia has been on the rise leading to the spread of Confucianism among the natives. This has led to changes in various activities including business operations and consumer tastes and preference. These factors formed the foundation of this study. The study aimed at exploring the concept of Confucianism within the Australian context, reasons behind the increased practices, Confucian values, and associated with business practices. The study used a grounded theory method (GTM) to explore the impact of Chinese Confucius among the Australians. Introduction Confucianism has contributed greatly to the Chinese culture. In fact, the Chinese culture is rooted in Confucianism and its associated Chinese life and economics are deep. The practice has been guiding the people’s behavior since Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD)1. Therefore, Confucianism has affected and continues to affect the manner in which the Chinese think and operate. Even though Cultural Revolution suppressed the practice, in the recent years, Confucianism has been emerging between the Chinese both domestic and international. Nowadays, there is promotion of religion in various aspects of life from the government to businesses. Among the Chinese, religion can assist in easing the tension between the haves and have-nots2. Moreover, there is increased trend towards Confucius among the Chinese people especially the Chinese merchants commonly known as Confucian merchants. Modernization and economic improvement in China is contributing to the rise in Confucianism, which influences the modern Chinese society. Countries such Australian can benefit from the dose presented by Confucianism3. With the recent occurrence of OzAsia Festival in the origin of Confucius, the Shandong Province, the Confucius Institute located in the University of Adelaide aimed to improve the level of understanding for Confucianism philosophy. Research indicate that the rise of Confucianism among the Chinese is supported by three important sectors within the society: government, intelligentsia, and the popular4. There are several textbooks and introduction materials focusing on Confucianism within the Chinese market and TV programs on Confucianism. However, it is important to note that since the end of the 19th century, the practice experienced criticism and condemnation from both the Chinese and international bodies. Clarifying aims and Objectives Confucian refers to the traditional attitudes and behavior, which are always prevalent among the Asians. China’s difference depends on the size and impact, which is likely to have on the rest of the globe. Education and business are two important sectors that have been able to experience greater success: the Confucian societies are characterized by strong educational emphasis and business ethics. In most cases these days, while entering some Australian universities, the conspicuous factor is the massive construction of the yet to be completed Chinese Confucius Institute. The fact that the institutes are named after the major Chinese cultural icons and erected in the prestigious and oldest learning institutions reveal the long-term vision of those promoting the Chinese culture. On the other hand, Australia as a nation has not yet attuned to the manner in which the foreign symbols tend to neutralize the influence and power especially in areas that the country has failed to create and celebrate local cultures5. Emergence of Chinese Confucian institutions within Australia’s strategic locations are seen across the continent and raise a lot of questions on the effect of local cultural practices and consumer behaviors. Most of these institutions are used as tools for silent exportation of Chinese culture. The founding of these institutions represents the admissions and learning the western activities. To have true and full control over the people, power needs to be used to influence various cultural habits, belief systems, and language. Erosion in the local cultures influences the nature of consumers’ reasoning. Throughout the years, the Chinese Confucius has been rooted in the Australian culture for a long time leading deterioration in the local culture. Businesses are beginning to practice Confucianism concept within their management practices, which by far influence the purchase behavior of the consumers. It is from such background that the paper aims to explore the concept of Chinese Confucianism within the Australian context and its associated impacts on the consumers. Significance of the Study The rise of Confucianism and Associated Confucian Values Increment in Confucianism has close link with increased economy and modernization of China. When the country seemed weak and considered to be backwards, most people blamed Confucianism. However, when the country began getting stronger with the ability to face international markets with confidence, the Chinese, both the locals and internationals, became confident in their traditions. Based on such narrative, a clear irony is that modernization seems to confirm the tradition. When the Chinese failed to ask themselves on the reasons behind its backwards, they did not have to hold the responsibility of their tradition6. Instead, they currently ask themselves on the values responsible for their success. Considering that the Confucian values formed the pivot of the traditional Chinese values, the Chinese had to turn to Confucianism for the answers they sought. Through the years, the Chinese government has been supporting these values. The major value for Confucian is the conservative and ability to maintain the hierarchy and order. Moreover, there is need for a value system for holding the Chinese together when there is bankruptcy in the communist ideology. The question on the Confucian values is difficult to answer. For the start, the founder of the Confucianism philosophy, Confucius, failed to state the values. Many scholar-gentry officials have for years added values and Confucian ideas to Confucius. In additional, according to terse and philosophers, Confucius is interpretable from various angles7. The salient Confucian value is that it stresses on the reciprocal relationship. Such value is reflected through the common sense observation that the Chinese are not individualistic like the westerners. According to the Chinese, people are what they are because of their relationship with others. Such concept has been adopted from the relationship of the people and government. The government has every right of controlling people and inform them on what to do; however, the government also has the responsibility of providing good conditions for its citizens such as restraining the local tyrants, ensuring adequate peace, and protection of people from corruption. Without such, the Chinese can overthrow the government, which is why the Chinese government and people do not question the legitimacy of those not elected so long as they improve the conditions for the people8. Another value associated with Confucianism is self-improvement, which is seen from both personal, and society perspective. This evident from the manner in which highly education is valued across the Confucian-influenced societies. The meaning of Confucianism to the West The rise of Confucianism in China has implications on those living in the West, especially Australia. First, it is important note that everyone is changing everywhere. Chine is among the countries changing rapidly and becoming like the West although the Chinese people considered Confucianism as if they are different9. However, the western countries also changing fast as their imperialism and colonialism advantages seen to disappear. Even though Australians may still need to learn French, they still have to be literate about Asia. Currently, China is not a military hegemony; therefore, if the Chinese are to stick to self-improving and reciprocity of the Confucian values, then they are likely to impose their values on other people or seek to acquire the material advantage through taking over the territories of the other people10. Various researchers reveal that value hegemony and exploitation of the materials belonging to other people does not relate to Confucius. Considering the current conundrum that surrounds the issues associated with increased demand for the budget and welfare deficit within the affluent societies such as Australia practicing Confucianism might be good idea. The Confucian assumes that no one has entitlements. It is the responsibility of the government to look after the weak, disadvantaged, old, and young; nonetheless, each person needs to take up the responsibility on issues associated with them11. In most of the communities practicing Confucianism, there is often less welfare provision, crime, and social challenges, which reflect the feature of Confucian value as care, self-education, self-strengthening, and reciprocal responsibilities. Respect for those in authority and higher ranks assist to explain why westerners continue to complain on the intractable nature of the Chinese. On the contrary, in Australia, the culture encourages individual expression. Within the Confucian society, it is critical to act according to the rank but not how one feels. One of the dimensions that the sociologists use in defining contrasting cultures is the level of individualism and collectivism. The Australian culture emphasize on individualism, which defines people based on their accomplishments than in groups12. Therefore, they encourage individual expression from the early stages of age and culture. However, the Confucian society tends to encourage collectivism. For the Chinese society to operate efficiently and effectively, it is necessary to subject the desires of each person to the greater benefit of the group. In this case, people do not exist independently of each other but defined based on the relationship with the others. Survival of Chinese Culture in Australia For many years, the Chinese have roamed throughout the earth and whenever they go, they carry their cultures. They have been able to keep their culture and ensure that they transmit to their generations. The major question is how they have been able to survive a context predominately inhabited by the Australians. The survival of the people is measured based on their culture, which involve what people produce, beliefs, and the values they hold. Some cultures often disappear with movement of people from one country to another13. Instead, the Chinese culture is seen to thrive in various areas including Australia especially with the introduction of Confucius practices. Food represents the people culture: for the Chinese, their cuisine has survived in many areas in Australia. This reflect the ability to adapt, accommodate, and utilize locally available resources forms the enabling factor for the survival of Chinese cuisine globally. Culture does not stand a survival chance in absence of belief and value system. However, the Chinese have no formal religion like Christianity among the westerns. Several forces are responsible for shaping the Chinese culture. Historically, they have been worshippers of nature. With the emergence of Confucianism, the Chinese belief system has been able to adapt to various philosophies since it offers the codes of ethics that define social relationships and behavior. Moreover, the practice seems to define the duties and obligations for people. According to Confucius, people need to practice both filial piety before and after death of their parents. The Chinese culture has always emphasized on the family, which is a primary unit of social institution14. Within the Confucian society, the evident factor is filial piety, which the initial research conceived as devotion and obedience, which people need to show to the parents; however, with time, it was extended among the Chinese to the ancestors which led to ancestor worship15. The focus on the family became an additional motivation factor for good conduct and behavior. Considering that the Chinese lack central binding religious dogma, they have been able to adapt to the Australian religion into their own just like in their cuisine. Confucianism Ethics in Business Confucianism is a moral philosophy commonly practice by the Chinese and views morality based on morality. According to Confucius, it is important to involve people in relationships and interactions. Relationship forms important tenet within Confucianism. Based on the philosophy, individuals are expected to undertake their responsibilities morally within the context of social relationships that are guided through the virtues of benevolence and propriety. People with true goodness are sensitive to the needs and feelings of other people since they view their surrounding world as extension of themselves. The Australians have been applying the practice in their business contexts16. The Confucian approach towards business ethics emphasize on developing the virtues of people while striving for the business profits which is to be realized in a moral manner. Confucianism does not condemn profiteering unless it is driven by selfish fulfillment of the material needs at the expense of offering important goods and services to the community. When there is conflict between attaining the business profits and virtuous living, then the later needs to triumph. Confucian ethics and capitalism are compatible since the aim of classical capitalism for perfect competition is to acquire the required social harmony. Such economic goal is consistent with the concepts provided by Confucian. Based on the Confucius, the major factor that guides people’s way of life include business activities depend on reciprocity principle and the golden rule. According to the Chinese, business includes both social and economic aspects. In Australia, the Confucianism has become an integral part of the business, which affects the consumer behavior, tastes, and preferences. The principles of Confucian seem to provide a model that guides the practices associated with ethical business management. The major principle is this case is being a business with exemplary moral conduct through offering quality products and service to the customers and value chain that meet the required needs of the customers. Various practices of human virtues such as self-cultivation practices are projected to meet the needs of the business. The cultivation of the inner self within the businesses practicing Confucian needs to be assessed based on their external behavior, which are then interpreted in relation to the society17. Businesses can achieve the required social harmony through practicing righteousness, which prevents exploitation of customers and provision of products and services at prices related to their quality. In Chinese, the culture is not only based on the relationship but also depends on fulfillment of its responsibilities to the community as enshrined within the Confucian tradition. Therefore, the principle of acting ethically with regards to the roles are applicable. Australia is a multicultural society. In the recent years, it has experienced increment in the number of Chinese flowing into the country leading to cultural integration in certain areas. The Chinese culture is descendants mainly from the early immigrants from China and shared common Confucian heritage. However, through practices such as education, social practices, upbringing, and customs, there Chinese have been able to pass down Confucian values throughout the generations living in Australia18. As a society, Australia has gone through transitions in its value system from the Chinese Confucian Ethics to the shared value initiatives, which are spearheaded by the government19. Within the Australian context, social platforms such as media played significant roles in the promotion of Confucianism practices as a code of personal conduct in the modern Australian and ensuring adequate promotion of public debate and discussions. With the rise and fall in the Confucianism practice, the extent it covers in Australia has remained debatable20. Australia is one of the states in Europe that embrace communitarianism. The critical values of Confucianism permeated the Chinese societies found in Australia; however, to claim that the whole Australia subscribes to the concept of Confucianism is problematic considering the existence of several races and religion within the country. Research also reveal that there is scant evidence that show that Australians actually implicit the Confucianism principles. Research Design and Methodology The study used a grounded theory method (GTM) to explore the impact of Chinese Confucius among the Australians. As a qualitative method, the methodology provided connection between the Confucianism and Australian culture through collection of the empirical data. The exploratory cross-cultural study attempted to measure the differences in cultural values associated with Chinese Confucian and Australian practices. Moreover, the study sought to explore the succession decisions made by the Chinese that have businesses in Australia and the manner in which cultural practices from the two countries influence the decision-making process. This study used qualitative explanatory concept with the framework of the interpretive paradigms, which states that the truth is relative and dependent on people perspective. The major factor that led to the use of exploratory study is the need to acquire better understanding on the activities that occur in the decision-making succession. To understand the experience of both Australians and Chinese on matters associated with Confucianism, the study focused on subjectivist view on the global issues. Limitation There is scarcity of research on the impact of Confucianism concept within the Australian context was the major limitation to the study. Numerous research focus on application and implication of practicing Confucianism within the Chinese context. The features of the case were sought with application of similar criteria. Another factor that limited the research was the restriction of the study to small sample size, Chinese and Australia, which limited the generalization of the conclusion to the larger Australian and Chinese businesses even though generalization was not the main goal21. There are many Chinese businesses practicing the concept of Confucianism in Australian; however, there is limited information on such businesses. Since the study limited its research on application of Chinese Confucian in the Australian businesses and impacts on the customers, the exploratory nature of the methodology used had diversified range of business types, which leaves room for further exploitation of research. Even though some of the findings from the research reveal the significant role played by the concept of Confucianism in ensuring the achievement of required competitive advantage and the manner in which is passed from one generation to another, it is important to focus on Confucianism from both contexts22. There is need for further inquiry to explore the concept from the younger generation regarding the manner in which they behave towards business while purchasing products. Moreover, there is need for additional insights into different cultural aspects of the business achievable by future research, which seem to integrate the comparison the Australian and Chinese consumer behaviors. Bibliography Altinay, Levent. "The relationship between an entrepreneur's culture and the entrepreneurial behaviour of the firm." Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development 15, no. 1 (2008), 111-129. Australasian Centre of Chinese Studies. "How can Chinese Culture survive in Australia?" Australasian Centre of Chinese Studies. Last modified April 15, 2010. https://www.accschinese.com/accsblog/how-can-chinese-culture-survive-in-australia/. Bell, Daniel A. "Reconciling Confucianism and Nationalism." Journal of Chinese Philosophy 41, no. 1-2 (2014), 33-54. Chiang, Lan-Hung N., and Chih-Hsiang S. Yang. "Learning to be Australian: Adaptation and Identity Formation of Young Taiwanese-Chinese Immigrants in Melbourne, Australia." Pacific Affairs 81, no. 2 (2008), 241-258. Collins, J. "Chinese entrepreneurs: the Chinese Diaspora in Australia." International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research 8, no. 2 (2008), 113-133. Evans, Justin W. "Challenging Confucius: Western banks in the Chinese credit card market." Business Horizons 51, no. 6 (2008), 519-527. Fitzgerald, John. Big White Lie: Chinese Australians in White Australia. UNSW: UNSW Press, 2012. Fung, Annabella. "The Influence of Confucianism on Identity Formation of a Multi-Skilled Migrant: An Autoethnography." The Qualitative Report 19, no. 50 (2014), 1-19. Gomez, Edmund T. "Family Firms, Transnationalism and Generational Change: Chinese Enterprise in Britain and Malaysia." East Asia 24, no. 2 (2007), 153-172. Hamilton, Robert, Leo-Paul Dana, And Camilla Benfell. "Changing Cultures: An International Study Of Migrant Entrepreneurs." Journal of Enterprising Culture 16, no. 01 (2008), 89-105. Hartig, Falk. Chinese Public Diplomacy The Rise of the Confucius Institute. London: Routledge, 2016. Holzman, Donald. "Confucius and Ancient Chinese Literary- Criticism." Chinese Approaches to Literature from Confucius to Liang Ch'i-Ch'ao 12, no. 7 (2012), 188-126. JungGeun, Shin. "An analects of Confucius and Business administration." Journal of Eastern Philosophy 15, no. 61 (2010), 193-222. Meynard, Thierry. "The Life of Confucius, Father of Chinese Philosophy." The Jesuit Reading of Confucius 13, no. 9 (2011), 603-625. New African Magazine. "How China's Confucius Centres Affect African Culture." New African Magazine. Last modified May 21, 2015. http://newafricanmagazine.com/how-chinas-confucius-centres-affect-african-culture/. Tang, Yijie. "Some Reflections on New Confucianism in Chinese Mainland Culture of the 1990s." China Academic Library 15, no. 11 (2014), 67-78. Tan, Sor-Hoon. "Modernizing Confucianism and ‘new Confucianism’." The Cambridge Companion to Modern Chinese Culture 9, no. 2 (2007), 135-154. Yan, Ping, and Lili Pan. "From “Goodness” in Chinese Confucianism to “Truth” in Japanese Confucianism." Asian Social Science 6, no. 3 (2010), 107-113. Ye, J., M. A. Parris, and D. Waddell. "Cultural Perceptions of Succession in Chinese-Australian Family Businesses." Last modified 2012. http://www.fambiz.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Cultural-Perceptions-of-Succession-in-Chinese-Australian-Family-Businesses-Jing-Ye-Dr-Melissa-A.-Parris-and-Associate-Professor-Dianne-Waddell.pdf. Yu-tang, Lin. "Confucius in Modern China -Lin Yu-tang’s Portrayal of Confucius in Confucius Saw Nancy and The Wisdom of Confucius-." Studies in Confucianism 31, no. 12 (2014), 428-447. Read More

The fact that the institutes are named after the major Chinese cultural icons and erected in the prestigious and oldest learning institutions reveal the long-term vision of those promoting the Chinese culture. On the other hand, Australia as a nation has not yet attuned to the manner in which the foreign symbols tend to neutralize the influence and power especially in areas that the country has failed to create and celebrate local cultures5. Emergence of Chinese Confucian institutions within Australia’s strategic locations are seen across the continent and raise a lot of questions on the effect of local cultural practices and consumer behaviors.

Most of these institutions are used as tools for silent exportation of Chinese culture. The founding of these institutions represents the admissions and learning the western activities. To have true and full control over the people, power needs to be used to influence various cultural habits, belief systems, and language. Erosion in the local cultures influences the nature of consumers’ reasoning. Throughout the years, the Chinese Confucius has been rooted in the Australian culture for a long time leading deterioration in the local culture.

Businesses are beginning to practice Confucianism concept within their management practices, which by far influence the purchase behavior of the consumers. It is from such background that the paper aims to explore the concept of Chinese Confucianism within the Australian context and its associated impacts on the consumers. Significance of the Study The rise of Confucianism and Associated Confucian Values Increment in Confucianism has close link with increased economy and modernization of China.

When the country seemed weak and considered to be backwards, most people blamed Confucianism. However, when the country began getting stronger with the ability to face international markets with confidence, the Chinese, both the locals and internationals, became confident in their traditions. Based on such narrative, a clear irony is that modernization seems to confirm the tradition. When the Chinese failed to ask themselves on the reasons behind its backwards, they did not have to hold the responsibility of their tradition6.

Instead, they currently ask themselves on the values responsible for their success. Considering that the Confucian values formed the pivot of the traditional Chinese values, the Chinese had to turn to Confucianism for the answers they sought. Through the years, the Chinese government has been supporting these values. The major value for Confucian is the conservative and ability to maintain the hierarchy and order. Moreover, there is need for a value system for holding the Chinese together when there is bankruptcy in the communist ideology.

The question on the Confucian values is difficult to answer. For the start, the founder of the Confucianism philosophy, Confucius, failed to state the values. Many scholar-gentry officials have for years added values and Confucian ideas to Confucius. In additional, according to terse and philosophers, Confucius is interpretable from various angles7. The salient Confucian value is that it stresses on the reciprocal relationship. Such value is reflected through the common sense observation that the Chinese are not individualistic like the westerners.

According to the Chinese, people are what they are because of their relationship with others. Such concept has been adopted from the relationship of the people and government. The government has every right of controlling people and inform them on what to do; however, the government also has the responsibility of providing good conditions for its citizens such as restraining the local tyrants, ensuring adequate peace, and protection of people from corruption. Without such, the Chinese can overthrow the government, which is why the Chinese government and people do not question the legitimacy of those not elected so long as they improve the conditions for the people8.

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