The Management Philosophy of the Zhouyi (I Ching) from a Systems Thinking Perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study examines the Zhouyi (I Ching) from the perspective of systems thinking, aiming to explore its potential contribution to modern management philosophy. Drawing on textual analysis, systems modeling, and case studies, the research identifies three key dimensions in the Zhouyi: the hierarchical structure of system generation, the triadic logic of operation (“simplicity, change, and constancy”), and the regulatory principles of “balance, harmony, timeliness, and responsiveness.” However, most existing studies remain at the level of philosophical interpretation, with limited exploration of how the Zhouyi's systems thinking can be structurally applied to modern organizational management. Based on these findings, the study develops a nested model of “Human Nature—Human Virtue—Human Institutions” to illustrate the dynamic interaction between values, culture, and institutions in organizational governance.The case studies of Huawei’s “gray strategy” and a medium-sized private manufacturing enterprise further validate the applicability of this model, showing how the Zhouyi’s systemic wisdom can be transformed into practical management tools. The results suggest that, compared with the Western model of “goal—control—efficiency,” the Zhouyi provides an alternative paradigm that emphasizes value orientation, cultural mediation, and institutional flexibility. While limited by the number of cases and the qualitative nature of the analysis, this study highlights the relevance of the Zhouyi to contemporary organizational challenges and points to future research directions in cross-cultural management and the application of classical philosophy in emerging fields.