Strategic Altruism (Routledge COBS Focus on Responsible Business)

Strategic Altruism: Total Strategy Inspired by Kazuo Inamori’s Management Philosophy introduces a new ethical framework for business grounded in Kazuo Inamori’s management philosophy. Moving beyond profit maximization, the book demonstrates how altruism can function as a robust ethical standard for modern corporations, offering both logical coherence and practical strategies for sustainable growth. It integrates Eastern traditions of altruism with rigorous logical reasoning, contrasting them against Western frameworks like egoism, deontology, and utilitarianism.

Readers will benefit from the books systematic analysis of altruism as both a moral and strategic principle. It clarifies how "strategic altruism" aligns self-interest with social responsibility, creating integrated value across organizations and societies. By combining theoretical depth with practical application, the book equips readers with tools to navigate global ethical challenges, enhance corporate trust, and reimagine strategy through the lens of sustainable, human-centered management.

This volume is written for business scholars, ethicists, corporate leaders, policymakers, and graduate students seeking alternatives to conventional management paradigms. It will be especially relevant to those interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, social, and governance (ESG), and the intersection of business ethics with long-term value creation.

Keikoh Ryu is Professor at the Graduate School of Business Administration, Keio University, Japan.