Confucius felt that a special relationship existed between a father and his son. The father should
guide the son, and the son should show deference and yield to his father’s advice. Just as a father would
counsel, teach, and provide direction to a son, the Chinese manager is expected to do the same with
employees. In Confucian societies, the manager interacts with employees much the same as a father
would in looking out for the best interests of his children. In modern Chinese organizations the
relationship is extended now for the most part to include both sexes. Confucius felt that a caring and
nurturing organization promoted trust and harmony among members. Chinese managers who act as
mentors and provide a positive role model for employees are fulfilling this “father-son” relationship of
Confucius.