法國作家拉封丹寫過一則寓言 ：北風和南風比威力，看誰能讓行人把身上的大衣脫掉。北風首先來了個寒風刺骨，結果行人把大衣裹得緊緊的 。南風則徐徐吹動，頓時風和日麗，行人春意上身，紛紛解開紐扣，繼而脫掉大衣 ，于是南風獲得了勝利。
南風效應要求管理者對下屬表示尊重和關心，關注他們的需求和困難。這種關心可以表現為提供支持、聆聽他們的意見和建議，並給予他們適當的回饋。
通過展示溫暖和關懷，管理者可以激勵下屬更加積極地工作，為企業做出貢獻。當下屬感受到管理者的溫暖和支持時，他們會更加感激並願意為企業努力工作，從而維護企業的利益。
南風效應的應用可以在各種組織和管理情境中看到。例如，日本的松下公司以其尊重職工、關心員工利益的做法而聞名。在經濟困難時期，松下公司不裁員，而是採取了與其他公司不同的策略，如實行半日制工作、按全天支付工資，並鼓勵員工利用閒暇時間推銷庫存商品。這種溫暖的管理方式獲得了員工的一致支持，使松下公司成功度過了困難。
The South Wind Law
The French writer Jean de La Fontaine wrote a fable about the North Wind and the South Wind competing to see who could make a traveler take off their coat. The North Wind came first with biting cold, and the traveler wrapped their coat tighter. Then the South Wind gently blew, and the weather became mild and pleasant. The traveler felt the spring in the air, unbuttoned their coat, and then took it off, giving the South Wind the victory.
The South Wind Law requires managers to show respect and care for their subordinates, attending to their needs and difficulties. This care can be expressed by providing support, listening to their opinions and suggestions, and giving them appropriate feedback.
By demonstrating warmth and caring, managers can motivate their subordinates to work more proactively and contribute to the organization. When subordinates feel the warmth and support of the manager, they will be more grateful and willing to work hard for the company, thereby protecting the company's interests.
The application of the South Wind Law can be seen in various organizational and management settings. For example, Japan's Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. is known for its respect for workers and concern for employee interests. During economic difficulties, Matsushita did not lay off employees but instead adopted different strategies, such as implementing half-day work schedules, paying full-day wages, and encouraging employees to use their free time to sell inventory. This warm management approach gained the unanimous support of employees and helped Matsushita successfully navigate the challenges.