Publications
Publications
- November 2010 (Revised January 2011)
- HBS Case Collection
The Tzu Chi Foundation's China Relief Mission
By: Herman B. Leonard and YiKwan Chu
Abstract
Tzu Chi is one of the largest charities in Taiwan, and one of the swiftest and most effective relief organizations internationally. Rooted in the value of compassion, the organization has many unusual operating features -- including having no long term plan. This case explores the basic operating approach of the organization and invites students to explain the overall effectiveness and success of the organization and its surprising success (as a faith-based, Taiwanese, direct-relief organization -- all of which are more or less anathema to the Chinese government) in securing an operating license in China.
Keywords
Leadership; Crisis Management; Service Delivery; Mission and Purpose; Religion; Natural Disasters; Nonprofit Organizations; Welfare; China; Taiwan
Citation
Leonard, Herman B., and YiKwan Chu. "The Tzu Chi Foundation's China Relief Mission." Harvard Business School Case 311-015, November 2010. (Revised January 2011.)