The Role ofQing(Positive Emotions) andLi1(Rationality) in Chinese Entrepreneurial Decision Making: A ConfucianRen-YiWisdom Perspective
Journal of Business Ethics · 2015 · Volume 126 · Issue 4
DOI: 10.1007/s10551-013-1970-1
Abstract
The intellectual debates on wise entrepreneurship behavior such as decision making tend to focus on the relationship between economic rationality and morality, while overlooking the important role affect plays. To fill in this gap, this paper proposes a theoretical framework based on the Confucian concepts ofren(love and compassion) andyi(righteousness or rightness) and studies their practical manifestation inqing(positive emotions) andli1(rationality) for decision making. Drawing from 32 in-depth interviews and 52 vignettes with Chinese SME entrepreneurs, this study has found thatqing(emotions) plays an essential role in decision making. Chinese entrepreneurs had to deal with the dilemma relating toqing(positive emotions) andli1(rationality) holistically to reach a balanced outcome in their everyday business practices. As a major contribution, this study extends the study of Confucian ethics by highlightingren-yias an important perspective for understanding Chinese entrepreneurial decision making and also for promoting the affective dimensions for entrepreneurial ethical decision making in general.
Keywords
Confucian ethics, Ren(love and compassion), Yi(righteousness), Qing(positive emotions), Li1(rationality), Entrepreneurial decision making
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