Japan
Corporate Philosophy
Mission Statement
In March 1962, Suzuki established the Mission Statement, which indicates the corporate policy of the Suzuki Group.
- 1. Develop products of superior value by focusing on the customer
- 2. Establish a refreshing and innovative company through teamwork
- 3. Strive for individual excellence through continuous improvement
The Mission Statement sets three goals for all employees of the Suzuki Group to understand and strive for: a goal toward carrying out a company’s social missions (making products), a goal for the corporate organization that they belong to (building the company), and a goal for themselves (developing human resources), respectively.
With the motto “products of superior value,” which is mentioned in the first paragraph of the Mission Statement, all employees of the Suzuki Group are making daily efforts as value creators.
(From “50 Years of Suzuki”)
Goal to strive for in making products
The highest goals of a company and its reason for existence are the continuous production of even better products and the development of products of superior value. We must always remember to “focus on the customer” during the process. This focus is the basis for research, and it must also be the basis for development, technology, manufacturing, and sales. This approach is founded on an awareness of factors such as quality, cost, and continuous improvement. Based on this foundation, we should consider how to incorporate these factors into our products (operations).
Goal to strive for in building the company
The two major pillars of management are the emergence of scientific management and the democratization of management. This demonstrates the significance of human relationships in management. A company (worksite) is an organic body that has been organized into a whole from its parts. However magnificent an organization’s formalisms and systems, it cannot deliver optimal overall performance unless it is managed vigorously as a functional, unified body at all times.
It follows that all employees must put their maximum effort into their jobs, thoroughly comprehend cross-organizational relationships, and engage in teamwork. They must pour their energy into developing a continually evolving, refreshing* and attractive company (worksite).
Employees should also always maintain a Company-wide perspective so that operations do not become complacent and stagnant and are not hampered by self-righteous sectionalism. Employees should constantly strive to improve worksite morale.
* Refreshing: A state of being energetic and lively, or having such an appearance.
Goal to strive for in developing human resources
People have boundless potential. However, the development of their potential is entirely based on individual effort and responsibility. Continuous effort and self-improvement through training are the only ways to maximize your individual ability as a person and employee.
The Company’s development can only be improved when the abilities of all employees are improved, and progress is made enthusiastically.
However, it is also the duty of each supervisor to foster employees’ self-awareness as members of the organization and stimulate their motivation. It is important to keep in mind that exceptional human resources are produced through hard work and guidance.
Philosophy of Conduct
“Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi (Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, Beauty)”
The phrase “Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi” is an abbreviated phrase that means “smaller, fewer, lighter, shorter, beauty” in Japanese. Suzuki’s basic policy of conducting efficient, high-quality manufacturing that eliminates waste was first expressed at its production sites using this phrase.
Thereafter, “Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi” became widely known as a motto for the entire Suzuki Group, reaching far beyond production to all manner of departments and situations, as well as its overseas operations.
The concepts highlighted by this motto are fully implemented in the manufacturing of Suzuki’s products. Over the years, the motto has become well established within Suzuki as words that simply express Suzuki’s Philosophy of Conduct.
- “Smaller” leads to enhanced efficiency by making things compact,
- “Fewer” optimally distributes resources to what is most necessary by omitting waste
- “Lighter” slims down for enhanced efficiency,
- “Shorter” speeds up decision-making, action and reporting, communication, and consultation processes.
- The meaning behind “beauty” is that all activities are for the best interest of our customers, and that our customers can only be satisfied for the first time once we meet all criteria of performance, quality, cost, reliability, safety and security, and compliance.
Genba, Genbutsu, Genjitsu (Actual place, actual thing, actual situation)
We will go directly to the actual place, see and touch the actual thing, and make realistic decisions grounded in facts.
We will thoroughly eliminate theoretical discussions, and instead observe the actual things at the actual places, recognize the actual situation and appropriately capture the essence of things. Having done so, we will work to solve problems in a realistic manner.
YARAMAIKA（Entrepreneurial Spirit, Hamamatsu Dialect）
The ability to always maintain quick decision-making, close inter-personal relationships, and the flexibility required to address change is often cited as an example of lean management.
Even as the size of the Company grows, every employee will work hard to ensure that Suzuki does not succumb to big company disease. To fulfill our social missions, we will continue to boldly tackle challenges.
Mission
Continue to be an indispensable presence by staying closely attuned to people’s lives and providing a means of mobility for local communities
