7: Yin and Yang: Opposing Viewpoints on Western-Based Leadership Studies Programs in Mainland China

As a dominant foundational component of Taoism and other philosophies, the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang emphasizes the harmony and dualism of the universe (Lang & Zhang, 1999; Wang, n.d.). Often presented visually with the black and white symbol of balance, Yin and Yang represents the tensions and harmony between attraction and opposition as inseparable elements of cosmic, philosophical, and cultural phenomena (Cartwright, 2018). Philosophers and historians believe the interaction of Yin and Yang originally represented naturally occurring dualities such as day and night, water and land, as well as movement and rest, dating as early as the fourteenth century bce (Wang, n.d.). In the following chapter, the authors incorporate the tradition of Yin and Yang to present opposing viewpoints relative to establishing Leadership Studies curricula founded in Western thought as part of a transnational offering in mainland China. With evidence in support and in opposition to this practice, consideration is given to perspectives and arguments approaching both poles of the issue.