Rlchard Pettlnger

Education and development

‘‘That is not to say that someone should remain a sweeper forever. I am convinced that true education consists in educating the whole person, which includes work. So from an early stage we established a work-study system at our plant. This culminated in the foundation of a Sony Atsugi high school. ’’

‘‘I could not hold back my tears as I stood on the platform during the ceremony that marked the occasion of its of ficial opening. In fact, I was speechless with emotion. What magni ficent specimens the students were. ’’

‘‘We at Sony wanted to contribute to the advancement of education on a national basis. For the place of work is a place of education as well. So we needed to provide opportunities and facilities to enable our workers to continue studying as long as they wished. We also had to create jobs that take human beings into consideration and to build an environment throughout every plant in which no job will be despised and all useful work will be respected. ’’

‘‘As managing director, this was my responsibility. Only in this way could I kindle a sense of mission in each of them and make them feel that they had something to live for in their work. Only in this way could I get them to display creativity and cooperation and to ensure that they contributed, not only to their own well-being, but to the development of the company. ’’