An Investigation into Tzu Chi’s Strategic Management in Purifying People’s Minds
Date Issued
2004
Date
2004
Author(s)
Wu, Chien-cheng
DOI
zh-TW
Abstract
The rise and development of non-profit organizations (NPOs) have been dubbed as the "third" or "social" department in the developed countries. They often fill the shortcomings and deficiencies of large enterprises and government agencies. These NPOs continue to contribute in upgrading people’s livelihood and their quality of life throughout the world. A successful NPO can set precedence for enterprises to follow in terms of inspiring and encouraging their employees and volunteers. The value of existence for said NPOs depend on whether it has a noble commitment. Thus it is also important to see how a NPO realizes its commitment by utilizing extraordinary management skills. Among all the NPOs in Taiwan, Tzu Chi is a successful NPO worthy of scrutinizing analysis.
The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, established in 1966 by Master Cheng Yen, promotes the spirit of Great Love and gratitude throughout the world. Tzu Chi, with 39 years of history, has successfully won the support of local citizens by implementing its “Eight Footprints” of charity, medicine, education, culture, international relief, bone marrow donations, environmental protection, and community volunteering. Since 1991, Tzu Chi has engaged in international relief programs by bringing love and material assistance from Taiwan to China, hoping to create a harmonious relationship between the two sides. Meanwhile, Tzu Chi has offered emergency and long-term assistance to over 50 countries. By doing so, Tzu Chi hopes to make the global village more loveable and livable. In sum, Tzu Chi has contributed immensely to its local society, a less hostile relationship between mainland China and Taiwan, and many foreign nations in the world. Without a doubt, Tzu Chi has achieved as a NPO that is writing one of the most touching chapters in the development of a modern Taiwan.
The two purposes of this research are as follows. First of all, finding out Tzu Chi’s origin, convictions, organization, management and decision-making processes. Secondly, study Tzu Chi’s strategic management in its objective of purifying people’s minds. I've also further divided the latter category into two more parts: understanding Tzu Chi’s commitments, vision and strategic issues; and how it sets up the strategies, targets and procedures in order to implement its commitments.
This research is a single case study—taking Tzu Chi as an example to discuss the issues of its strategic management. Data collections include Tzu Chi’s historical documentations, files, records, interviews, discussions, first-hand participation, direct observations, etc.
The research processes are mainly based on the analysis of Tzu Chi’s interior structure combined with the analysis of its strategic theories and concrete historical experiences in purifying people’s minds. Conclusions such as Tzu Chi’s commitments, values, vision, and convictions could then be drawn: Tzu Chi is committed to purify people’s minds; and its vision, to bring harmony into our society and creating a world that is free from disasters; its values, are committed to Buddhism and all living beings, helping the poor and educating the rich while respecting all life. Tzu Chi members interiorly abide by the spirit of sincerity, integrity, trust and honesty; and exteriorly live up the spirit of kindness, compassion, joy and unselfish giving. The core of Tzu Chi spirit is based on Great Love and gratitude. This case study also illustrates the strategies of five perspectives, including leadership management, learning and development, the flow of internal management, foundation construction and development, and social services. The strategy map of Tzu Chi cases, the making of strategic themes, strategies, strategic objectives, key success factors, measures and concrete projects for each perspective have also been investigated.
This research has found that Tzu Chi’s devoted volunteers are the major driving force behind its competitive strength, and they are also the foundation’s most valuable asset. The strategy map of this study has
shown Tzu Chi’s implementation procedures that include the following three steps:
(1) Recruit as many devoted volunteers as possible who are willing to shoulder the foundation’s commitments.
(2) Solidify the organization of volunteers to make it effective and efficient.
(3) Introduce Tzu Chi’s ideals to outsiders and serve the needy whenever possible. By doing so, the Tzu Chi spirit and ideals can be passed from generation to generation. Besides, it is the best way to march toward the foundation’s objectives and to realize its vision.
I hope this research can also provide Tzu Chi with suggestions in the following four categories of promotion of Tzu Chi missions among the general public, organizational adjustment and management, finance and accomplishment management, and institutionalization.
Key words: Tzu Chi, strategic management, commitments, and purifying people’s minds.
Subjects
慈濟
淨化人心
使命
策略管理
commitments
strategic management
Tzu Chi
Type
other
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