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Article
Artisans, Athletes, Entrepreneurs, and Other Skilled Exemplars of the Way
Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion
  • Alex Stewart, Marquette University
  • Felissa Lee, Marquette University
  • Gregory N.P. Konz, S.J., Regis University
Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
27 p.
Publication Date
1-1-2008
Publisher
Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Disciplines
Abstract

We introduce management and spirituality scholars to the “knack” passages from the c. 4th century B.C.E. text, the Zhuangzi. The knack passages are parables about low status figures, such as wheelwrights, furniture makers and cooks, whose actions offer insights into the spirituality of ordinary work and, we argue, of entrepreneurship. Such non-corporate settings are lesser-studied domains for spirituality. Ancient Chinese writings have been noticed by spirituality and management writers but we call for deeper scholarly textual attention. We seek also to model more attention to the renaissance in scholarship on classical China. More ambitiously, we hope to show that these passages are not only germane but worthy of careful consideration. Our efforts reflect the influence of Slingerland's (2003) study of “effortless action” as a central soteriological goal in ancient China.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion, Vol. 5, No. 1 (2008): 29-55. DOI. © 2008 Taylor & Francis (Routledge). Used with permission.

Citation Information
Alex Stewart, Felissa Lee and Gregory N.P. Konz, S.J.. "Artisans, Athletes, Entrepreneurs, and Other Skilled Exemplars of the Way" Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion (2008) ISSN: 1476-6086
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/alex_stewart/7/