The Concept and Classification of Traditional Cultural Values of China

Traditional cultural values of China constitute the core of the spiritual system of Chinese civilization, formed over several millennia of historical development. They serve not only as the foundation of national cultural identity but also as a crucial resource for public governance and organizational management. This article examines the concept, ideological origins, and classification structure of China’s traditional cultural values. The author argues that traditional values are not a static ideological heritage but function as a cultural mechanism embedded within social structures and normative behavior patterns. A comparative analysis of the main strands of Chinese thought – Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and Legalism – reveals the multi-level unity of the Chinese value system and its potential for transformation in modern society. The study shows that China’s traditional cultural values possess an internal logic manifested on ethical, social, and managerial levels, and their spiritual core continues to exert a profound influence on organizational culture, social governance, and the process of reconstructing value orientations in contemporary Chinese society.