Inamori's Management Philosophy and the Genealogy of Japanese Business Ethics Thought

This chapter engages in a comparative study of major ethical frameworks – egoism, deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics – evaluating their applicability and limitations in modern business. Egoism, while logically consistent, is critiqued for undermining trust and long-term survival. Utilitarianism is shown to face challenges in measuring and balancing aggregate welfare, often leading to injustices. Deontology emphasizes duty and universality but struggles with rigid application in dynamic corporate contexts. Virtue ethics stresses character and moral cultivation but lacks structural guidance for complex business systems. Against this backdrop, altruism is advanced as a more comprehensive ethical standard, capable of addressing both moral and strategic dimensions of corporate life. The chapter stresses that altruism need not contradict self-interest; rather, strategic altruism reframes self-interest as compatible with societal benefit. By situating altruism alongside other traditions, the chapter demonstrates its superiority in fostering trust, legitimacy, and resilience. This comparative evaluation underscores why altruism, when strategically applied, should guide business ethics in the globalized, interconnected, and crisis-prone corporate environment.