A comparative study on Sun Tzu’s warfare deception strategy and western dynamic capabilities

Authors:Ing-San Hwang, Ting-Ting Fang, Chun-Cheng Chien
Journal: Chiao Da Management Review. Dec. 2008, 28(2): 217-251.
Keywords: The way of deception; Dynamic capabilities; Content analysis
Abstract:
Chinese Sun-Tzu warfare deception strategy and the western dynamic capability in actual business practice. Since Chinese-owned enterprises have played increasing roles globally, it is therefore important to understand the influence of traditional Chinese philosophy on the implementation of successful business strategies. Until now, the distinctiveness of such a strategy with respect to its western counterparts h as not been properly revealed. With a view to address this imbalance, we employ the content analysis method to compare and contrast Sun Tzu’s way of deception with the western theory of dynamic capabilities. The various aspects of Sun-Tze’s warfare deception and dynamic capabilities were categorized, recorded and graded by using the WinMax software to determine the most significant similarities and differences. The findings indicate that the theory of dynamic capabilities generally lacks the strategies of “deceiving the enemy or subterfuge” and “surprise or flank attacks”, which are unique characteristics of the way of warfare deception. Nonetheless, both of Chinese and western strategies do share their commonality in prioritizing the “global integration” and “local superiority.”