JIMS8M: The Journal of Indian Management & Strategy

Web of Science
  • Year: 2018
  • Volume: 23
  • Issue: 3

Innovation culture in a family business: The case of Suzuki Motor Corporation

*Associate Professor, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, Canada

**Associate Professor, Shizuoka University of Art and Culture, Hamamatsu, Japan

***Assistant Professor, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, Canada

Online published on 9 October, 2018.

Abstract

Innovation provides a competitive advantage to businesses. This paper uses case research methodology to highlight the role of family in business strategy, innovation, and internationalization. The case study examines the Suzuki Motor Corporation, headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan. Over a period of 109 years, five generations of the Suzuki family have led the company. The founder Michio Suzuki was instrumental in creating and embedding an innovation culture into the organization. Subsequent generations of the family have continued to grow the business, through product innovation and internationalization strategy, into a global company.

Keywords

Innovation, Family Business, Regional Culture, Internationalization