Leadership styles, school effective, needs of 'mien' (face) behaviour: the interactions in Hong Kong private schools

Abstract

National cultures vary and the variations challenge the conventional wisdom of the Western management theory and practice in other cultural contexts. Specifically, the national characteristic of 'face(mien) behaviour' is immensely important at all levels in Chinese interpersonal communications. The notion of 'mien' permeates every aspect of interpersonal relationships in Chinese culture because of the culture’s overarching concern with relationships. This study examines the nature of 'mien' behaviour, explores how 'mien' functions in the Hong Kong educational context, and how leadership styles of secondary school principals interact with 'mien' as perceived by their teaching staff and how, eventually, these interactions influence the effectiveness of the schools. Whenever Chinese behaviour is discussed, the social philosophy of Confucianism is relevant. The Confucian ethical system regulating social behaviour has three principle ideas: ren(), yi() and li(); benevolence, righteousness or justice, and propriety or courtesy. This study also examines how these three principles nurture 'mien' and considers whether any alternate style of leadership in Hong Kong context can be formulated.