Archives and corporate identity in a changing business environment: The Case of the Kao Corporation

Abstract

In the mid-1990s, Kao's management, corporate communications and archives team collaborated to formulate a corporate philosophy based on records and heritage. The management policy, called the ‘Kao Way,’ was published in 2004. It values ‘Yoki-monozukuri’ - a strong commitment to both products and brands of excellent value as well as consumer satisfaction, innovation, and integrity. The corporate communications team conducted workshops to train Kao employees in Japan and around the world to share the Kao Way among the Group's diverse membership. Corporate archives can thus provide the parent organization with a basis of common principles and philosophy, an invaluable resource especially given today's frequent corporate acquisitions and restructuring. Corporate archives can also provide answers to important questions about the nature and history of the company and how it has contributed to the wellbeing of customers and society at large over the years. Such heritage information can promote corporate pride and socially-responsible business conduct among employees.