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VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 (2026)
The triadic governance model of Chinese management: A theoretical integration of legalism, Confucianism and Taoism
Authors
Dr. Lung Tan LU
Abstract
Despite the rapid growth of Asian management research, the dominant
theoretical frameworks applied to Chinese organizations remain deeply rooted in
Western paradigms. While Confucian values have garnered significant academic
attention, the civilization-level governance thinking shaped by Legalist
institutionalism and Taoist adaptive philosophy has not been fully theorized.
This study integrates three major intellectual traditions—Legalism
(institutional control), Confucianism (ethical internalization), and Taoism
(dynamic regulation)—to develop an indigenous triadic governance model. Through
a systematic literature review and qualitative theory building, we propose six
theoretical propositions elucidating how the three mechanisms interact to
produce holistic organizational capabilities. This paper responds to scholarly
calls for context-embedded theory construction, conceptualizing Chinese
governance as a dynamic civilizational system rather than a single cultural
variable, thereby contributing to indigenous management theory. The research
offers implications for Asia-Pacific management practices: governance
effectiveness stems from the synergistic balance of structural order, ethical
norms, and dynamic adaptation, rather than an over-reliance on any single
mechanism.
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Pages:309-319
How to cite this article:
Dr. Lung Tan LU "The triadic governance model of Chinese management: A theoretical integration of legalism, Confucianism and Taoism". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 12, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 309-319
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