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Tian-ren-he-yi strategy: An Eastern perspective

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  • Mike W. Peng

    (University of Texas at Dallas)

  • Yuan Li

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Longwei Tian

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

Abstract

Research on the business-environment dilemma has traditionally focused on strategies based on isolated, either/or mindsets, such as economically-oriented and environmentally-oriented strategies. Drawing on the cultural, philosophical, and intellectual traditions of China, we sketch the contours of a new holism-based strategic mindset, which results in a tian-ren-he-yi strategy. As an Eastern perspective, tian-ren-he-yi means “nature and mankind combined as one” or “nature-human harmony.” We leverage both qualitative and quantitative investigations to first identify the underlying mechanisms connecting tian-ren-he-yi strategy and firm performance, and then to compare the performance-enhancing potential of tian-ren-he-yi strategy with the two strategies based on the isolated mindset. Our analysis shows that when managing the business-environment dilemma, tian-ren-he-yi strategy has stronger performance-enhancing potential than either economically-oriented or environmentally-oriented strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Mike W. Peng & Yuan Li & Longwei Tian, 2016. "Tian-ren-he-yi strategy: An Eastern perspective," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 33(3), pages 695-722, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:asiapa:v:33:y:2016:i:3:d:10.1007_s10490-015-9448-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10490-015-9448-6
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