Vij Books India Private Limited Tao of Soldiering: The Chinese Paradigm: The Shift in Human Resources Development in PLA and Lessons for India

Soldiering is all about the growth and development of human potential in the military organization. The approach to soldiering in China is apparently distinct as compared to Indian or Western military and the shaping of soldiery in China has taken a very unique and somewhat enigmatic course.  In the context of PLA, in the ongoing reform era, a clear shift in the approach to HRM is apparent. One of the most important objectives of the ongoing reforms and restructuring of PLA is to appreciably augment its potential and efficiency for the effective prosecution of Integrated Joint operations (IJO) for winning Local Wars under Informationised Condition (LWUIC). This book attempt has been made to take a holistic look at soldiering and development of human potential in PLA thus progressing understanding in the broadly interpreted field of HRM in the context of the Chinese military.  The author argues that PLA has been adopting a very systematic, methodical and focussed approach towards identifying the key issues and addressing them in a time-bound manner to enhance the quality of its personnel to include the enlisted personnel, NCOs, officers, and higher leadership. However, success or failure of HR policies depends as much on several tangible factors(educational qualification, technological prowess, economic and social background), as on various intangible aspects (influence of culture, belief system, traditional practices, political and ideological factors impinging on the morale, motivation and value system). The book would enable interested readers to comprehend and grasp the nuances of the development of human potential in the military in general and PLA in specific. Various HRD themes like organizational culture, leadership, efficient decision making, etc. analyzed in the book can find application in general context as well. Review The book is encyclopedic and could serve as a benchmark for HRD research as far as the armed forces of a country are concerned. The complex issues pertaining to the development of human resources in PLA in the reform era couldn’t have been dealt with in a better manner. The book will be of immense value to researchers, policymakers, men in uniform and general readers having an interest in the transformation of the Chinese military or on HRD aspects of a large organization. Lt Gen VG Khandare (Retd), PVSM, AVSM, Military Advisor to NSCS ; While there have been several studies on the military might of China, studies on personnel who form the 'Being of PLA’ and their organizations have been much fewer. This book is an attempt to examine these facets in fair detail with lessons in the Indian context. Deserves the attention of those in Indian Armed Forces and National Security Watchers. Lt Gen Vinod Vashisht (Retd), PVSM, AVSM, Former DGNCC About the Author Col Nihar Kuanr was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army in Aug 1989. The officer commanded an Artillery Regiment and has served in various units and headquarters in different sectors and terrains. He has been awarded Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Vice-Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) as well as Army Commander's Commendation card during his illustrious career. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India, he was awarded Lentaigne Medal for writing the best dissertation during the course. He holds post-graduate degrees in Weapon Technology and Strategic and Defence Studies from Pune University and Madras University respectively. He has done his M. Phil in Defence and National Security studies from Panjab University. Currently, he is a Senior Research Fellow with the USI of India. Earlier in the year, a monograph by the author entitled, “An Appraisal of The PLA's Training for Integrated Joint Operations: India's Actions, Response, and Counter-Strategy,” has been published under the aegis of United Service Institution of India. His area of interest includes the armed forces of China, and