The influence of the five cardinal values of confucianism on firm performance

This paper investigates the influences of Confucian values on the performance of multinational firms. Building on the five cardinal values of Confucianism, a conceptual model is developed by integrating benevolence, justice, courtesy, knowledge, and integrity. Based on a cross-sectional sample of 160 Taiwanese firms, this study finds the levels of justice and knowledge that positively strengthen the relationship between the degree of internationalization and firm performance. It is also found that the levels of benevolence and integrity significantly strengthen the relationship between networking capability and firm performance. The paper concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and managerial implications.