Art of War

(Chapter 5 – Energy)

Gonzales, Kaye Sellyn

Oliquino, Arnold
BSBA-MK2A

Instructor:
Mr. Dennis Yapbuan
The Art of War - Chapter 5 (Energy)

Summary:

Sun Tzu as the commander and the leader of the troops used to skillfully managed the
troops into a well-organized units. They are sub-divided according to the number if groups from
individual to a group of army. As a commander, his duty is to appoint his subordinates as per
command of the superior. They are in different level according to the number of joined forces
and how much is the energy of every member has.

Chang Yu as a commentator that used to observe and evaluate every member, points
out that each troops must have a proper training and must know the assignment or task given
by every level. In this way, the function of each level will be consistent. And if there’s a control
on the battlefield and every action was count, the commanding officers already know how to
control on when to advance or retreat because they never lose in track.

Energy was divided into two forces, the normal forces (requiring less energy) and the
extraordinary forces. (requiring more energy) According to Sun Tzu, extraordinary forces can be
achieved by realizing its components including the well-organized and systematic structure of
an army. Extraordinary ones are opposite to normal forces because less energy was released
but then, the possible combination are limitless arranged.

Reflection:

If we’re going to connect and compare the chapter 5 article of Art of War to
organizations, it is understandable with different components of the management of the
company. Organizations had its pyramid or the organizational structure just like the pyramid of
command of the troops or soldiers of the Chinese empire. It is also composed of different
groups from the inferior to superior groups. Each group has its own responsibilities and
assigned tasks given by the superior. Just like when the commanding general used to manage
by giving tasks to its troops. Each level has its own task given by the commanding general. It is
also compare to organizations that each level of the management has its functions and
assignments given that should be done. If we’re going to reflect, that article was much relatable
to every organization or company. It is important to know which level you belong if you’re in that
organization. Doing the assigned tasks and doing the right job makes the company productive
and it’s much easier to play the role of each member because it is controlled by the top
management. Decision making was much easier when planning on business activities.

The energy that has been pointed out to this article refers to the force of the troops. It’s
like just an organization that has its workforce working together. It is said that extraordinary
force was much effective than normal force because it exerts a lot of force or effort.
Extraordinary force is well-organized and has a systematic structure of an army. Compared to
an organization or company, it’s like every business activities was planned systematically or
step-by-step. Then, it is organized well to be more effective and efficient. By using this type of
energy, businesses will perform much easier and can also bring success to the company.

Analysis to different lines:

“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these
five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.”

- Musical notes are nothing when used individually. Musical notes were made to
create a beautiful and resounding sound that gives a fantastic melody that’s
pleasing to the ear.

“There are not more than five primary colors (blue, yellow, red, white, and
black), yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been
seen.”

- You might know that these colors were taught to us when were just a kid. But,
these colors had a deeper meaning because each color has its hues or the
shade that enhances the color of an object. It’s merely within our colorful
imagination that makes everything beautiful.

13

“The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which

enables it to strike and destroy its victim.”

- Decision making takes time before making an action. Before taking an action it
should be well-timed to ensure that an attack is successful.