The Kao corporation: A case study

Sumantra Ghoshal and Charlotte Butler

European Management Journal, 1992, vol. 10, issue 2, 179-192

Abstract: Under the careful direction of its President, Dr Yoshio Maruta, the Kao Corporation of Japan had become pre-eminently a 'learning organisation' since the 1970s. But could it transfer its learning capability and domestic market success to the US and Europe? Sumantra Ghoshal and Charlotte Butler trace the steps in Kao's evolution as a creative company, based on very successful products and the company's integrated learning ability. The brilliant success of 'Sofina' skin care is highlighted. Kao has had modest success as a global competitor, and internationalisation is now regarded as a key strategic challenge. The authors document the company's expansion overseas and focus particularly on Kao's organisational capability to operate on a global scale.

Date: 1992
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