Study: Business strategies of companies with longevity of 300 years or longer in Japan

The team found that there are four key factors perceived by the owners of these ancient companies that feed into their ethos: customers and products; owner and employees; management and business credo; and change and risk management. The team also demonstrated that non-economic values and the perception of the company as being part of the wider community (Sanpo-Yoshi) are also embedded in the mindset of these business owners. The various factors have been the driving force for the companies' approach to business, the researchers suggest.