Business Is People

Business Is People

By Konosuke Matsushita
McGraw Hill Higher Education November 2009

Specifications

ISBN-13
9780071272162
Publisher
McGraw Hill Higher Education
Publication
November 2009
Format
Paperback , 120 pages
Jurisdiction
International ? Countri(es) for reference only

Details

Business Is People is the English-language sequel to the Japanese bestsellerShobai Kokoroe-cho (Business Handbook). This translated collection of essays and anecdotes reveals the inside man of late Japanese management guru Konosuke Matsushita, and his secret to keeping business in the black in good times and bad. 

This timeless classic contains Matsushita's key observations on management, gleaned from more than half a century of business experience. His business philosophy was refreshingly idealistic and altruistic -- he believed that the mission of a manufacturer was to eliminate wants and to rid society of poverty -- and his success testifies that it is possible, even profitable, for a serious businessman to conduct himself and his business with a clean conscience. His words are encouraging in today's economic climate, in which the tension between corporate responsibility and profit-making is strongly felt.

According to Matsushita, "no matter how chaotic the world may seem, ['] one can improve his business techniques and make his business prosper." This book outlines the qualities of an effective manager, provides time-tested management tips, and discusses practical ways of running a business efficiently. Business Is People offers advice that will benefit anyone involved in managing a business and human resources.

Table of Contents

About the Author
Preface

Part 1 Managing a Company
Remain Fascinated
Conducting Business Over the Phone 
Commercial Paper Bloats the Money Supply
Management Capabilities
Satisfactory Work
Making the Most of Complaints
The Technology We Chose Not to Buy
Wait Patiently For Better Times During Recessions
Noren (Reputation)
The Secrets of Purchasing
Sales Methods that Boost Credibility
Within the Limits of Equity Capital
Business within Service Capacity
Improvements Born of Earthquake Damage
Demanding Customers
Seek Fair Profits
Eliminating Defects
Material and Spiritual Contributions
The Significance of Publicity
Value Other People's Time
Persuasiveness in Business
Do Not Let Budgets Rule You
Deadly Earnest 
The Unwritten Contract

Part 2 Managing Personnel and Personal Affairs
Working with Absolute Delight
Autonomous and Independent Management
Downturns and Human Resources Development
Conceptual Foundations
Looking Up to Your Subordinates
The Right Person in the Right Place 
Face Adversity Squarely
Humble Conviction
The President Who Took Off His Overcoat
The Joy of Being Scolded
Following Orders
Become a Clinical Practitioner
Education with Spirit
Raise Issues with Your Superiors 
Whatever Happens Is Fine 
At a Certain Hotel
Adequate Personnel
Appropriate Salaries
Personnel Complaints
Professional Self-knowledge
What It Takes To Be a Manager 
Refusing Promotion to Section Chief 
Determination to Carry Through
Even New Employees
The Senior Managing Director Sent to Apprentice

About the Author

Konosuke Matsushita

Konosuke Matsushita (1894'1989) was born a landlord's son in the farming village of Wasa, Japan. In his early childhood, his family fell into poverty, pushing young Matsushita into the way of the merchant at age nine. He started his career as a brazier's apprentice, then as an employee at the Osaka Electric Light Company. At age 23, he set up the Matsushita Electric Appliance Factory with little money, little help, and a strong belief that his first invention -- a two-socket light fixture -- would work. This small firm grew quickly. By the late 1980s, Matsushita's company had nearly 20,000 employees on its payroll and had produced such household brands as National, Panasonic, and Technics. Today, it is the electronics empire known as Panasonic Corporation.

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