Kyocera Founder Touts Benevolent Capitalism

Kazuo Inamori, founder of Kyocera, a Japanese cell phone manufacturer, says that companies should "seek profits supported by sound ethics and a strong sense of morality," something that is lacking in the current capitalistic model. ("Kyocera Founder Kazuo Inamori Criticizes U.S. CEO Excesses," April 21, 2009 - USA Today). Greed should not be the underlying principle in the quest for profit according to Inamori. He suggests that profit making should be tempered with what actions are "for the good of society." Inamori also says that astronomically-high executive salaries should not be the norm, because a CEO should share the wealth with all the players who contributed to company success.

Discussion Questions:

1. Are U.S. executives likely to buy into Inamori's philosophy about profit making with a heart? Why or why not?
2. Inamori also talks about profit making for the long haul so companies don't settle for short-term profit at the expense of long-term company viability. Will international companies continue to aim for short-term gains instead of long-term solvency as a result of the current economic crisis? Why or why not?
   
3. Inamori is an ordained Zen Buddhist monk. Do you believe that religious principles can guide a company to become more successful and increase profits? Why or why not?