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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
From Daoism’s "Dao-De-Wuwei" to the cross-paradigm integration of modern organizational governance
Authors
Dr. Lung-Tan Lu
Abstract
Contemporary management theory is facing a
profound paradigm crisis. In the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity,
Ambiguity) era, the traditional management thinking rooted in instrumental
rationality and control orientation can hardly adapt to the complexity and
dynamics of organizational systems. This paper aims to reconstruct Daoist
management philosophy, elevating it from a cultural metaphor to a theoretical
system with internal consistency that can engage in dialogue with modern
management science. Adopting a dual research approach of philosophical
interpretation and theoretical synthesis, this study conducts a systematic
analysis of the core concepts in the Tao Te Ching and engages in dialogue with
contemporary organizational theory to construct a three-tier theoretical
framework of "Dao-De-Wuwei". The research contributions are
threefold: first, proposing an integrated framework of ontology (Dao),
governance theory (De), and methodology (Wuwei) for Daoist management
philosophy; second, supplementing the theoretical blind spots of Western
management theory in terms of order generation, control boundaries, and human
nature assumptions; third, providing a new paradigm for cross-cultural
management theory and pioneering a path for the demystification and
theorization of Eastern management thought.
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Pages:158-168
How to cite this article:
Dr. Lung-Tan Lu "From Daoism’s "Dao-De-Wuwei" to the cross-paradigm integration of modern organizational governance". International Journal of Social Science and Humanities, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 158-168
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