Close Rules Governing the House of Sumitomo

The Rules Governing the House of Sumitomo were established in 1882. Consisting of 19 chapters in 120 pages, the Rules Governing the House of Sumitomo articulate the traditional spirit of the House of Sumitomo bequeathed by founder Masatomo Sumitomo. The rules position the Besshi Copper Mines at the heart of Sumitomo’s business and they describe the organizational structure and the operational method of the Besshi Copper Mines.

Article 3 of Chapter 1 Family Precept expresses the fundamental principle of the Rules Governing the House of Sumitomo. It reads, “Accord prime importance to integrity and sound management in the conduct of business; let the fortunes of the business be shaped by the needs of the times and economic considerations, but under no circumstances pursue easy gains.”

Business Principles
"Business Principles" forming the Rules Governing the House of Sumitomo (version formulated in 1928)

In 1891, revisions were made to the Rules Governing the House of Sumitomo and the above-mentioned article was placed at the beginning of the Business Principles, divided into three articles.

Article 1 and 2 are embodied in the Business Rules of Sumitomo Goshi Kaisha (forerunner of the head office of Sumitomo Corporation) established in 1928 and remain the management guidelines of every Sumitomo company to this day.

Article 1
Sumitomo shall achieve strength and prosperity by placing prime importance on integrity and sound management in the conduct of its business.

Article 2
Sumitomo shall manage its activities with foresight and flexibility in order to cope effectively with the changing times. Under no circumstances, however, shall it pursue easy gains or act imprudently.

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