The name Akio Morita is synonymous with business success. Akio Morita was born in Japan in 1921. The Morita family were astute businesspeople with interest in the production of foodstuff. Morita was expected to join the family business as it happened with the rest of his siblings. However, at an early age, Morita was fascinated with technology. To pursue his dreams and passion, Morita enrolled in Osaka Imperial University where he graduated with a degree in physics in 1944. Morita graduated at a time when the world was facing a myriad of challenges attributed to the vicious cycles of attack during the Second World War (Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2018). Morita joined the Japanese army where he was assigned duties in the Air Armory. The life of Akio Morita is incomplete without the input of Ibuka Masaru, a colleague and a friend he met while serving in the Japanese National Army. Masaru was working as an industry representative. Together, Morita and Masaru developed night-vision devices and thermal guidance system.
Establishment of Sony
The relationship between Morita and Masaru continued after the war. The two partners established a communication laboratory in the city of Tokyo. Akio Morita co-founded Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation in 1946. In 1958, the organization was renamed to Sony. The two founders of Sony understood the importance of separation of roles and duties. As such, Ibuka became the innovative partner who focused more on the production of new products while Morita was the business savvy partner who would deal with the financial and marketing aspect of the company (Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2018). The success story of Sony starts with the production of magnetic tape recorded, transistorized radio and pocket-sized radio. All these three products were produced at a period when the populations were demanding more products to fill the entertainment void that was apparent in the society.
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As a business that was in its early stages of growth, Sony needed financial assistance. The Morita family was interested in the new venture. The bulk of the funding was from the family money that had been obtained from previous business interests they were pursuing. Over the year, Sony has succeeded in its business venture to become a formidable force in the consumer electronics industry. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. (2018), the company is the largest in terms of revenues in Japan. Additionally, Sony has diversified its operations to include the financial sector, entertainment, and electric motor vehicle.
The Motivation of Akio Morita
Much has been said about the success story of Sony with less emphasis on the creator. Perhaps, the analysts have focused more on the financial and economic impacts of the organization without realizing that the motivation and inspiration of the cofounders played an important role in the organizational success of Sony. Akio Morita started a successful business; however, an intriguing question concerning his partnership with Masaru is why he decided to plow his resources into the business. Multiple reasons may be given regarding his motivation. Seemingly, Morita had many reasons to cofound the organization.
As mentioned earlier, Morita was expected to join the traditional family business, but he chose a different path. Morita had a passion for mathematics and physics, subjects that work in synergy especially in the production of electronics (Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2018). Masaru cofounded the organization primarily for one reason that is to follow his passion for the products. Studies have shown that most of the individuals who establish technical and complex businesses are driven by passion ( Roudometof, 2015 ). Morita fits in the larger equation of individuals whose passion for unknown products has led to life-changing events both in the local and global fields. The footprint that Sony has left is unmatched and unparalleled. It assumed that Morita was guided by the act of passion for electronics. In any case, if it were not through passion, Morita would have easily joined the family business or even ventured into another viable business that had proved the test of time.
Starting an electronics company was a huge risk that the two individuals took. Considering the time when the organization was founded, the technology, knowledge, and expertise on the electronic product were limited. The population was used to traditional methods of production or accomplishing tasks. Many people tend to shy away from joining a business whose aspect, viability, and sustainability are unknown. The uncertainty of new ventures discourages potential investors from pooling their resources in such business. However, from Morita’s perspective, passion is intertwined with vision. Morita had a vision of the technologically empowered world. This means that the company would expand its operation to cover other nations. Indeed, it is interesting to question why the company first produced transistorized radio instead of any other device. From the point of conjecture, radio is an effective communication tool whose marketability during the 20 th century was guaranteed. The production of radio is a classic example of killing two birds with one stone (Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2018). The radios not only marketed the company but they also enhanced communication in the society.
The desire to create jobs can also influence the creation of a business. Morita, being from a business family understood clearly the importance of income to households. The family business had offered many individuals opportunities to earn income and cater to the basic needs. When Sony was founded, the two co-founders had initially twenty employees ( Neate, 2017 ). As time progressed, the company employed more people to work in the various departments. The vast labor force that was part of the company was instrumental in the early success of Sony. Since its inception, the company has experienced exponential growth as a result of mutual relationship between the company and its employees. Morita believed that people should be given a chance to display their potential. Boyd & Goldenberg (2013) state that in a book written by Morita titled “Gakureki Muyo Ron” which can be loosely translated as “Never Mind School Records,” Morita takes rather unusual but logical argument regarding the business skills or success. In the book, the real sentiments of Morita are exemplified. Morita argues that success in any endeavor should never be related to the academic achievement. The argument solidifies optimism that has been lacking for many years regarding the success. Morita, as a person is an iconic figure who is admired and cherished by many business managers and aspiring entrepreneurs for the numerous success he had achieved during his lifetime. Normally, corporate leaders have always relied on the academic achievement when evaluating the competency of recruits. For instance, applicants are taken in a series of rigorous tests before the best candidate emerges for the position. One of the fundamental factors that are often taken seriously is the academic qualification ( Boyd & Goldenberg, 2013 ). Organization underscores the minimum educational qualification that applicants should have. This means that a potential person who can be more successful in the job can be ignored based on his or her school record
Morita believes that success or business skills are embedded in the mind. As such, Morita argues that all people should be given equal opportunity to unleash their potential without any form of discrimination ( Boyd & Goldenberg, 2013 ). As a matter of assumption, Morita teaches his followers one important lesson, the value of unseen ability. A person who is rejected for a particular job position in an organization may have an unseen ability that can be helpful if tapped. Therefore, the proposition of Morita has strong logic for both individuals and groups who have had the nasty experience of discrimination based on the school record. In other words, a person who has achieved more in the academic field proffers that academic prowess is not a guarantee for success. A question that arises from Morita’s sentiments, what is the real power behind business skills or success?
More subtly, the assertions of Morita specifically on school record and success resonate to the possible reason why he co-founded the organization. As a co-founder, chief executive officer and the chair of Sony, Morita wielded power to determine which path the organization will take. The seniority of Morita in the organization made his opinions and sentiments to be given a greater and concern. It means that the organization would only pursue sanctioned paths. It means that Morita had the power to determine who is hired in the organization. With organizations operating in highly charged and competitive environment, Sony like any other organization would be interested in employing highly qualified recruits within its rank. It is clear that the sentiments of Morita were influenced by real-life experience. Probably, after years of observation, Morita discovered that the success is multifaceted, with supplementary factors that are critical in any situation.
Successful corporate leaders like Morita are always placed under tight scrutiny with every move and decision they make attracting discussion. For Morita, this aspect of life was taken with caution and zeal. During his leadership tenure at the organization, Morita managed to lead to the organization in the path of ethical focus ( Neate, 2017 ). The public domain is aware of unethical behaviors that are practiced by some organizations to make profits. Sony, as an organization that deals with consumable electronics has managed to produce the best products for its customers. The excellent reputation of the company has improved its position globally. However, it is important to note that Morita steered the company to the top pedestal it is currently placed.
Morita as an entrepreneur and a business leader understood the essence of leadership skills on company’s growth. Many scholars have invested time and resources to study organizational success. One of the critical factors that have been consistent in the findings is the leadership style ( Neate, 2017 ). Morita was a charismatic and transformational leader in the organization. Transformational leadership attributes to the success of many organizations. For example, other technology companies such as Apple Inc. proliferated due to the transformational leadership style of the founder The Late Steve Jobs ( Neate, 2017 ). Another company is Microsoft Corporation that was created by Bill Gates. Transformational leaders like Morita, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs had one quality in common, that is the ability to influence and inspire the followers. Morita shared his vision for the company with the employees. Morita was in the forefront of championing for the radical changes in the organization. His ability to consolidate the support of his fellow managers and the rest of the staff played a significant role in the success of the organization. The Sony fraternity unanimously agreed to follow the right path that would lead to success.
Morita understood the power and force of organizational unity. To achieve the integration in the organization, Morita supported the democratic form of governance where all the employees were given the opportunity to air their views concerning issues affecting the company ( Boyd & Goldenberg, 2013 ). The feeling of appreciation rendered the organization as employees’ views and sentiments were factored in during the formulation of the company’s policies and operational frameworks. Employees participation in the management of the company’s affairs was a strategic move aimed at reducing disputes and conflicts within the organization. Morita believed employees satisfaction. As many studies have indicated that job satisfaction is directly related to performance, Morita strived to promote the satisfaction of all the employees ( Roudometof, 2015 ). The primary steps that Morita took to encourage employees’ satisfaction at the organization were appraising all the occupational stressors that could potentially inhibit the performance and productivity. Mitigation measures were initiated to counter each occupational stressor by the institution of operational health and safety policy
The second step that Morita took to ensure that all the employees in the organization are satisfied with their work was the identification of motivating factors. The viability of the company depends on the innovation and creativity of the employees. As such, when a team successfully develops a product that performs well in the market, they expect reward or recognition. Morita recognized the efforts of his entire team through improved financial packages and benefits. Additionally, the organization trained its employees to hone their skills in the various fields ( Roudometof, 2015 ). All these actions were taken to ensure that the company remained competitive and viable in its field of operation. Perhaps, from observation or reports, Morita understood the severe consequences of workers dissatisfaction. For instance, dissatisfied employees would deliberately sabotage the operations of the company leading to the production of defective products. Neate (2017 ) posits that substandard products tarnish the reputation of the company leading to the loss of customers to the competitor while at the same time causing massive financial damage to the organization through lawsuits and government sanctions.
The Final Moment and State of Akio Morita’s Creation
Akio Morita resigned from the Sony after sustaining injuries while playing tennis. After nearly half a century as a business leader and an entrepreneur, Morita set a precedent that has continued to thrive after his death. Sony as an organization has achieved all levels of success. The company has maintained its sale records for many years. For example, the portable Walkman players were consumer favorite in the early 1980’s and 1990’s (Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2018). Through continuous innovation, the company has produced other new products that are performing well in terms of sales. The revenues of the company have been increasing with more products being availed to the consumer. The company has grown its revenues through diversification of its portfolio. The success of Sony can also be evaluated based on the market share. The market share of the organization has increased due to globalization ( Roudometof, 2015 ). The company has its tentacles in all the continents with its products being sold in virtually all the countries. The vast market share gives the company a competitive edge.
Akio Morita is an individual whose achievement motivates the business circles. The numerous accolades he received are well deserved considering that he co-founded an organization that has transformed the world. Morita is a respected person despite his demise even now. The business circle can draw insights from his management and leadership skills to improve and foster organizational success just as he did to Sony.
References
Boyd, D., & Goldenberg, J. (2013). Think Inside the Box. Wall Street Journal , C1-2.
Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. (2018). Morita Akio . Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Morita-Akio
Neate, R. (2017, December 12). A history of Sony's successes and failures . Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/13/sony-successes-failures-inventions-walkman-music
Roudometof, V. (2015). The glocal and global studies. Globalizations , 12 (5), 774-787.
