Excellent Global Corporation Plan Phase III

About Canon

Strengthening management for the next big step

The Excellent Global Corporation Plan, a mid- long-term management strategy aims to make the company admired and respected the world over by contributing to society through technological innovation. Through the plan, Canon strives to become a global top 100 company in terms of all major management indicators.

The five key strategies

photo: CANON INC. Headquarters

Phase I
1996-2000

Phase I targeted a new corporate mindset, with a focus on total optimization and profits, and a strong financial structure through cash flow management and the selection and concentration of business areas.

Phase II
2001-2005

Aiming to become No.1 in all major business areas, Canon implemented Phase II to keep the company in step with technological trends and strengthen product competitiveness through such measures as a shift to digital products.

Phase III
2006-2010

Besides cultivating next-generation businesses and establishing new production systems, Phase III aims to further strengthen Canon's business constitution through such efforts as total supply chain management.

Canon's Corporate DNA

illustration: Canon's Corporate DNA: Respect for Humanity / Emphasis on Technology / Enterprising Spirit

Behind Canon's 70-year history and development as a business lies its corporate DNA: a respect for humanity, an emphasis on technology, and an enterprising spirit that the company has consistently passed on since its foundation. The enterprising spirit on which Canon was started as a venture company and the relentless drive to distinguish oneself through technology permeate the company, and have continued to provide society with new value made possible by original technologies. These motivating factors are in turn supported by a respect for humanity, which encompasses meritocracy based on fairness and equality, an emphasis on good health, and a family-first principle that prioritizes the individual. Canon is committed to passing its corporate DNA on to future generations to ensure the company grows for another 100, or even 200 years.

The San-ji (Three Selfs) Spirit

The Three Selfs, the foundation of the company's guiding principles that have been passed down since Canon was founded, are self-motivation, self-management and selfawareness. For Canon, which strives to be a truly excellent global corporation while maintaining the legacy of its corporate DNA, the Three Selfs continue to serve as the company's most important guiding principles.

photo: The 'Three Selfs' Principle
Self-motivation Take the initiative and be proactive in all things
Self-management Conduct oneself with responsibility and accountability
Self-awareness Understand one's situation and role in all situations