Questions 1. How does Toyota's approach to social responsibility relate to the three concepts of social responsibility described in the text (profit responsibility, stakeholder responsibility, and societal responsibility)? beyond
Toyota seems to flip the order of the three concepts of social responsibility. Since Japan is a high-context culture, where social responsibility is a key precept, it is no surprise that Toyota’s core principle (“to contribute to society and the economy by producing high-quality products and services”) emphasizes society over the economy. In fact, it is actually more of a cycle, than a linear equation. The production of high-quality products (profit responsibility) serves as the means to an end: As Toyota’s builds upon its success, the company is able fulfill more of its societal responsibility, with stakeholder responsibility serving as a key element to achieving this goal. Respect for people is one of the two pillars of Toyota’s business philosophy, which not only creates a “unique corporate environment,” where employees are more invested in the vision and mission of the company, but also extends to respect for partners in their endeavors, the customers, and society as a whole.

To ensure that society continues to have a clean planet to enjoy, Toyota’s environmental vision recognizes the need for more sustainable vehicles, and has extended its sphere of stakeholders to include key partnerships with organizations that share this dedication to public service and protecting the environment, while educating the public. Toyota has developed relationships with organizations such as Audubon, the American Lung Association, and the U.S. National Parks service. This cause marketing has not only benefited Toyota’s branding as a “Leader in Technology Development,” and a company that “Wins Environmental Awards,” but has also created more