Page 44 - MYM 2016

caSe STudY: Ykk JaPan
The challenge: Manufacturing to contribute to a happier Society
In the midst of business expansion, the time has come for manufacturing in the YKK Group to move one step up. The goal of our fastening products business has always been “to provide good quality zippers to everyone;” meanwhile, our architectural products business strives
“to make windows for healthy spaces.” At this juncture, we must focus on two fundamental questions: “What should we do?” and “What can we do?” All policy decisions we make must be aligned to meet the challenge of “Manufacturing to Contribute to a Happier Society.”
bY Tadahiro YoShida
The business activities of the YKK Group are based on commitment to the “Cycle of Good- ness,” an expression
of the spirit of its founder, Tadao Yoshida. His philosophy – no one prospers without rendering bene- t to others – remains the guiding principle of the YKK Group.
As a young man, Tadao Yoshida read the autobiography of Andrew Carnegie. He was deeply in u- enced by Carnegie’s philosophy
that no man becomes rich unless
he enriches others. is provided the inspiration for his own“Cycle of Goodness” concept. When he was developing his business, he came to an understanding: “if you sow the seeds of goodness and do good, your goodness is sure to be rewarded: endless goodness cycles back to
you.” is realization is summarized as the “Cycle of Goodness.” When Tadao Yoshida entered the eld of manufacturing, he incorporated this concept into his business practices and rigorously upheld its principles.
Insisting that “businesses belong to society,” Tadao Yoshida had strong ideas about how a business should conduct itself. A business is an important member of society, and
as such, it must coexist with other elements of society. Its value will be recognized by the bene ts it shares with society. Tadao Yoshida carefully considered this need for mutual prosperity as he planned his business endeavors. He determined that con- tributions to society could best be achieved by the continual creation of value through innovative ideas and inventions. e resulting business expansion would bring prosperity
44 | MINd YOUr MarkETING OCTOBEr 2016