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  • November 2010 (Revised January 2011)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

The Tzu Chi Foundation's China Relief Mission

By: Herman B. Leonard and YiKwan Chu
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:23
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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.)
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About The Author

Dutch Leonard

General Management
→More Publications

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More from the Authors
  • Wilderness Safaris: Responses to the COVID-19 Crisis By: James E. Austin, Megan Epler Wood and Herman B. "Dutch" Leonard
  • The Risks You Can't Foresee: What To Do When There's No Playbook By: Robert S. Kaplan, Herman B. Leonard and Anette Mikes
  • Wilderness Safaris: Impact Investing and Ecotourism Conservation in Africa By: James E. Austin, Megan Epler Wood and Herman B. "Dutch" Leonard
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