Konosuke Matsushita

1894-1989 · Japanese · 20th Century

Known for: Founder of Panasonic, 'the God of Management' in Japan

Orphaned as a child, left school at nine, started as a bicycle shop apprentice. Founded Matsushita Electric at 23 with 100 yen. Built Panasonic, JVC, Technics.

First Japanese businessman to implement divisional management, profit-sharing, five-day workweek. Believed companies exist to improve society, not just profit. Wrote 44 books.

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