The Tao of Strategy
How Seven Eastern Philosophies Help Solve Twenty-First-Century Business Challenges
L. J. Bourgeois III, Serge Eygenson, and Kanokrat Namasondhi
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The Tao of Strategy combines ancient wisdom from the Eastern world’s great philosophers and lessons from modern-day business leaders to provide readers innovative approaches to unlock strategic breakthroughs for themselves and their organizations.
Today’s organizational strategists—including executives, managers, consultants, and the business students who aspire to join their ranks—will encounter novel ways of solving complex problems. In this engaging examination of the wisdom of Confucius and the strategies of The Art of War, the mindfulness of the Buddha and the perspectives of the Bhagavad Gita, as well as the advice of The Tao Te Ching and the fun of playing the ancient board game of Go, The Tao of Strategy presents alternative, creative ways to open up one’s strategic thinking.
The Tao of Strategy highlights a range of companies, from earth-moving equipment manufacturers Komatsu and Caterpillar to technology providers Infosys and Sun Microsystems to financial institutions Bank of America and Goldman Sachs. Interviews with chief executives from China Steel, PTT Group, Bacardi, Rodale Press, Aston Martin, and other organizations reveal how insights from Eastern philosophy inform the strategic decision-making of organizations and leaders around the world.
By engaging with Eastern philosophy from the perspective of organizational strategy, The Tao of Strategy offers a novel approach to strategic thinking that can help readers navigate today’s increasingly complex strategic challenges and unpredictable global environment.
- Phil Rosenzweig, Institute for Management Development (IMD) Switzerland, author of The Halo Effect and the Eight Other Business Delusions That Deceive ManagersProviding a survey of Eastern philosophy to Western readers, The Tao of Strategy helps us understand the strategic behavior of Eastern leaders and their companies, teaching Western managers how to apply these concepts to their own thinking and actions. A very useful, interesting, and truly original treatment of an important topic.
- Maria Rodale, former CEO, Rodale PressSuccessful strategy is an inspired practice, an arena to play out the best of ourselves or the worst of ourselves. The Tao of Strategy is the perfect guidebook to become the best of ourselves, both in business and in life.
- Kingsley Liu, CEO, Casey Companies, Ltd., Hong KongAn inspiring primer on a wide range of Asian philosophies and wisdom with a difference. The difference is in the ample use of real business cases, on the level of strategic decision-making, to provide perspectives and applications of the various philosophies. The Tao of Strategy is an enjoyable read for not just business executives, but for anyone interested in Asian philosophies and wisdom.
The Tao of Strategy is an insightful expedition into the world of Eastern philosophies like Taoism, Zen, and Confucianism and its immense potential for management principles. The book examines mindfulness, equanimity and strategic intuition, often unappreciated in a fast paced data-driven age. It shifts the focus from purely analytical approaches to strategies that balance external dynamics with inner calm and presence of mind. Jay Bourgeois brings a freshness of approach that offers a nuanced understanding of leadership and problem-solving and should encourage modern leaders to make decisions with clarity and purpose. It is a relevant book for the future of management as the world look eastwards for new ideas in a complex geopolitical environment.- Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Enterprises
In The Tao of Strategy, readers discover a discerning blend of Eastern philosophy and modern strategic thinking that is deeply pertinent in today’s evolving global landscape. As the Global South rises as a transformative force in the world economy, the need for cultural insights in addressing existential business challenges has never been greater. Bourgeois’ insightful exploration serves as a vital resource for those seeking to harness the wisdom of diverse traditions to create sustainable success in an interconnected world. This book not only enriches our understanding of strategy, but also inspires a holistic approach to leadership that is inclusive, adaptable, and forward-thinking. The Tao of Strategy is an essential companion for the next generation of leaders poised to make their mark on the global stage.- Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Government of India
L. J. Bourgeois III is Emeritus Professor and Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Initiatives at the Darden School of Business and author of Strategic Management: From Concept to Implementation. Serge Eygenson is a Washington, D.C.-based consultant at a leading strategy consulting firm. Based in Bangkok, Kanokrat (Mint) Namasondhi is a consultant at a global management consulting firm and a CFA charterholder.
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Strategy, Insight, and Competitive Advantage
2. Warfare in Eastern Philosophy
3. Competitive Dynamics and the Chinese Game of Go
4. Dharma and the Bhagavad Gita
5. The Buddha and His Teaching
6. The Buddha and Mindfulness
7. Zen
8. The Tao Te Ching
9. Energy as a Strategic Force
10. Confucius
11. Strategy as a Call to (in)Action
Afterword
Appendix 1: Executives and Organizations Profiled
Appendix 2: The Contents of The Art of War
Appendix 3: The Four Themes of the Tao Te Ching
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Introduction
1. Strategy, Insight, and Competitive Advantage
2. Warfare in Eastern Philosophy
3. Competitive Dynamics and the Chinese Game of Go
4. Dharma and the Bhagavad Gita
5. The Buddha and His Teaching
6. The Buddha and Mindfulness
7. Zen
8. The Tao Te Ching
9. Energy as a Strategic Force
10. Confucius
11. Strategy as a Call to (in)Action
Afterword
Appendix 1: Executives and Organizations Profiled
Appendix 2: The Contents of The Art of War
Appendix 3: The Four Themes of the Tao Te Ching
Notes
Bibliography
Index
