How to work together: A Confucian guide to workplace relations

We may spend more time during the day and most days of the week with colleagues than family members, which makes work relations vital to realising the good life. In early Confucian thought, the shared goal of mutual personal growth for both leader and subordinate was to ensure a thriving community. We bring to light how the seemingly hierarchical work setting accommodated a dynamic nature to the relationship – drawing on Confucius and other exemplars who creatively engaged with others even in difficult situations.

Confucius lived over 2000 years ago, yet his influence remains very strong in China. During the Han dynasty, 'Confucianism' was adopted as the underlying ideology for imperial rule and family order. Throughout China’s history, Confucianism has been challenged, reinterpreted, and appropriated. From the 20th century, after a period of disfavour, politicians and educationalists in China are once again turning to Confucianism for guidance.

In order to understand what Confucianism is, SACU is pleased that experts Dr Katherine Ngo and Dr Kelly Ngo, from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, will be running a series of seminars for us in 2025, our 60th year.

Each lecture will be approximately 45 minutes followed by 15 minutes for discussion. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions using the Zoom chat function so that the speakers can respond to as many points as possible.

Registration on Eventbrite is required. Just before each seminar, a Zoom meeting link will be sent to those that have registered via Eventbrite.

This seminar series is free and open to all. We invite attendees to join SACU here