Confucius maintained that the young should pay respect to their seniors. Age respect is still an
important aspect of Chinese culture, and age is also important in determining upward mobility in these
organizations. It is uncommon for young managers to advance over more senior managers, even if the
younger manager is more qualified, and by Western standards, more appropriate for the promotion.
Young managers are expected to listen, obey, and respect their seniors, and to wait their turn for
advancement. In exchange for this unquestioning deference to elders, the organization and its senior
members are expected to tend to the needs of the younger employees. Senior managers are seen as
important figureheads, representing age, wisdom, and concern for all organizational members. The
organization takes care of its young members and the young members are expected to show respect to
their seniors.