Art of War by Sun Tzu - Introduction

When the post-war achievements of the Japanese industry began to make a significant impression in the West, and everyone began inquiring as to what the secret of Japan’s success was,
Sun Tzu’s The Art of War – a Chinese military treatise-- was a book that was often discussed. One reason was that many Japanese companies make the book required reading for their key executives. “…the book has gained popularity in corporate life; there have been a variety of business books written that apply its lessons to “office politics” and corporate strategy,” says Wikipedia. “The book is also popular among Western business management, who have turned to it for inspiration and advice on how to succeed in competitive business situations.”

(http://www.mbauniverse.com/innerPage.php?id=mb&pageId=13)


Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” is considered to provide the most profound lessons for leadership, and victory in East or the West. Today its principles are applied to business all over the world. This classic body of work came from life and death scenarios, which evolved from empire, trade and political struggles. Obviously today’s corporate world does not induce anywhere near as strong a mechanism for change, or success, as the consequences of failure in business are far less than warfare. Nonetheless, the trickle down lessons from the “Art of War” are definitely applicable to any organized effort, project or business. Although Chinese in origin, the “Art of War” and lessons from Zen were adopted by Japanese groups such as the Samurai and Corporate Japan for clarity of mind, decision making and strategy.

(http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/asia/index.pl?noframes;read=24)