Chinese decision-makers evaluate the entire web of influences and relationships that surround the problem or decision. This approach seeks to preserve harmony, minimize conflict, and balance competing interests for sustainable outcomes.
Concrete examples of this holistic view include:
- Social dimension: Consideration of relationships, social status, and the effects of decisionson interpersonal harmony and reputation (face). Decisions account for the impact on families, communities, and social networks.
- Political dimension: Awareness of government policies, power structures, hierarchicalauthority, and long-term political stability. Decisions align with broader political objectivesand ensure respect for party directives.
- Economic dimension: Evaluation of market factors, economic interdependence, resourceavailability, and financial risks, while considering the impact on multiple stakeholders and future economic trends.
- Cultural dimension: Integration of traditional values such as Confucian ethics, collective wellbeing, and harmony with nature. Decisions reflect cultural philosophies that emphasizebalance, cyclical change, and relational interdependence.
This holistic decision-making style contrasts with analytical or reductionist methods byemphasizing interconnectedness, adaptability, and social cohesion. It aligns with Chinese philosophical concepts such as Yin-Yang and the Book of Changes (Yi Jing), which recognize thatsituations are complex, fluid, and embedded in systems.
Examples from research and practice
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners diagnose and treat by viewing the body as an integrated system reflecting nature and social environment, applying holistic thinking styles ().
- Chinese business leaders incorporate social relationships (guanxi), face considerations, and policy environments into strategic decisions that balance competing interests ().
- National-level policymaking underlines the integration of domestic security, economic development, and cultural stability to maintain social order (, ).
This holistic scope enables Chinese decision-makers to act flexibly and pragmatically, adapting tochanging conditions while preserving harmony and long-term relationships.