P.16 Values of the Sumitomo Corporation Group

16 01. Value Creation Stories for the Future

Values of the Sumitomo Corporation Group

We will achieve sustainable growth through addressing social challenges, while adhering to the Sumitomo Corporation Groupʼs Management Principles and Activity Guidelines and the timeless values of Sumitomoʼs Business Philosophy, which serve as our basis.

Sumitomoʼs Business Philosophy encapsulated in five phrases

Place prime importance on integrity and sound management; donʼt pursue immoral business

This phrase expresses a business approach based on building a reliable foundation of trust rather than simply seeking short-term gain. A business enterprise is there to pursue profit, but this management stance, which instead prioritizes relationships of trust and sound operations over immediate gain, is what has formed the corporate ethos of todayʼs Sumitomo Group businesses.

Benefit for self and others, private and public interests are one and the same

This phrase expresses the idea that Sumitomoʼs business must go beyond benefiting Sumitomo itself to also benefit the nation and society. In other words, it encapsulates the belief that “it is not enough for Sumitomoʼs business to aim to enrich itself only, it must have the grander goal of serving the interests of the nation and society.”

Planning imbued with a farsighted perspective

This phrase expresses a planning approach which, rather than pursuing immediate profit, looks far ahead to devise a careful plan that will benefit both Sumitomo and society. This attitude―which is in sync with todayʼs values of prioritizing management based on medium- to long-term rather than short-term perspectives―is thus a Sumitomo tradition handed down since our earliest days.

An enterprising spirit

This phrase expresses the approach of actively embracing new things and ideas, and maintaining a strong focus on goals that is not affected by difficulties. This thinking has formed the Sumitomo Groupʼs corporate culture of “facing contemporary change positively and staying one step ahead of it, letting go of out-of-date businesses and starting new ones to meet contemporary needs instead, and then nurturing them with dedication and determination.”

Business is people

While managing mines in various regions, Sumitomo came across the Besshi Copper Mine, which birthed its business, in 1690. For more than 300 years since that time, Sumitomo has developed this concept throughout its many challenges with nature. Since its founding, Sumitomo has valued free and vigorous discussions, and successive Director-Generals in the modern era have worked hard to ensure that those abilities were put to good use while securing human resources.

Sumitomo Corporation Groupʼs Corporate Mission Statement

Management Principles

• [Corporate Mission] To achieve prosperity and realize dreams through sound business activities
• [Management Style] To place prime importance on integrity and sound management with utmost respect for the individual
• [Corporate Culture] To foster a corporate culture full of vitality and conducive to innovation

Activity Guidelines

• To act with honesty and sincerity on the basis of Sumitomoʼs Business Philosophy and in keeping with the Management Principles
• To comply with laws and regulations while maintaining the highest ethical standards
• To set high value on transparency and openness
• To attach great importance to protecting the global environment
• To contribute to society as a good corporate citizen
• To achieve teamwork and integrated corporate strength through active communication
• To set clear objectives and achieve them with enthusiasm

Corporate Vision

We aim to be a global organization that constantly stays a step ahead in dealing with change, creates new value, and contributes broadly to society.