The world's longest continuously-operating company--Kongō Gumi construction company--was founded in 578 CE. It's amazing resilience resulted from some very interesting management principles, key precepts that, essentially, are moral virtues and spiritual disciplines.
How One Japanese Company Has Survived For 1,440 Years - After their first project in 578 CE--the temple, Osaka's Shitennō-ji--they also built Osaka Castle. More projects followed, as well as the on-going need for reconstruction and repairs to these and other buildings over the centuries. But that's not the real reason for Kongō Gumi's success. This brief article looks at the deeper sources of its longevity.
Building on Tradition: 1,400 Years of a Family Business - This deeper dive into the history of the company may be surprising. Given the general standards of today's business world, readers might be amazed (or not) to discover that the core of this company's long-term success lies in putting equal emphasis on high standards of quality control and customer satisfaction, as well as such 'personal' behaviors as how to dress, drinking only in moderation, treating others with utmost respect, and minding spiritual precepts in one's work and life.
Temple Constructors - This 5-minute video looks at the company through the lens of the extremely high quality standards that have made its temple construction projects legendary.
The Incredible Woodworking Skills of Shrine Carpenters - Ancient Building Techniques Without Nails - A 10-minute video following the work of Kongō Gumi carpenters as they work on a project.
Shokuke kokoroenokoto (Family Motto) - This academic journal article (in English) explores the company's creed or set of precepts that guide its operations. The actual list of precepts are provided at the end of the paper, beginning on page 149. For your convenience, here is a lightly-edited summary of the precepts as provided in the journal article.
List of Family Precepts
· Think of the idea of Confucianism , Buddhism and Shinto as an example. Train how to use the carpenter’s ruler as well as study the theory which is the basis for the ideas of Confucianism, Buddhism and Shintowhen you build shrines, temples and private houses. This is our most important duty as carpenters.
· Listen to what the customer says.
· Carpenters should mostly practice their training, reading and abacus. These are the skills that carpenters need most, thus focus on practising them. Learn other skills depending on your ability. You should be educated to attain your status. You must not be attached to anything that does not suit your status.
· Do not put yourself forward.
· When you are around people, mind your own business.
· Do not drink a lot of alcohol. If you make an excuse to do so, you may not guarantee your status. If the situation gets worse, you might become rude or even lose your life. You must listen to other people and behave yourself.
· Dress in a way that suits your circumstances. You must not wear more luxurious and flowery clothes than your status demands. For social manners other than these you should study according to your ability and learn what you should know to attain your status. You must not be attached to anything that does not suit your status.
· Respect people and be careful of the way you interact with others. Speak to them politely and do not say anything thoughtless.
· Be kind to your pupils. Show mercy to your juniors such as servants and pupils. Talk to them with courtesy.
· Definitely do not fight with others. Whatever happens do not fight with anyone.
· Do not shame a person or boast.
· Never disregard people or be arrogant. Do not speak evil of others.
· Meet and speak to others politely. Treat everyone with courtesy and never trifle with them.
· Do not discriminate. Communicate with respect. Do not segregate people by status. Treat then nicely with common sense.
· Treat the customers with respect.
· Face all the customers sincerely without greed.
· As for a bid, submit the cheapest and most honest estimate.
· When it isn’t possible to decide by oneself, consult a relative and decide things together.
· Seek a wife and leave descendants. Rear children properly.
· That is to say: have filial piety, uplift the reputation of the family, take a wife, have children and educate and protect then properly. Live long and follow Buddhism and Shintoism. Attain general knowledge and enlightenment as soon as possible. Receive the Buddha' s blessings and attain enlightenment. It is important to look forward to the next life.
· On the anniversary of an ancestor' s death show respect and hold a Buddhist service.