By: Rufus Wilson
Bus 302
Dr. Gina Zaffino
2/3/2013
Kodak vs. Fujifilm/Management Concepts
Kodak and Fujifilm
Rufus Wilson
Dr. Gina Zaffino
Bus 302
2/02/2013
Kodak, also known as Eastman Kodak was founded in the 1880 's by George Eastman and is currently based out of Rochester, NY. When George Eastman started this company reputation was very important to him. Eastman 's goal was to make photography an everyday affair or as he put it: "to make the camera as convenient as the pencil.” Not only was reputation important to him but so was advertising. Many ads he wrote himself, bringing about their slogan, “you press the button, and we do the rest." Kodak became the world 's first simple camera making photography enjoyable and easy to use for those who weren’t so savvy with cameras. This is a brand known around every country in the world and best known as a multinational corporation.
Kodak is built on four basic principles:
1. Mass production at low cost.
2. International Distribution.
3. Extensive Advertising.
4. A focus on the customer.
His breakdown of this was that mass production is no justifiable without wide distribution. Distribution needs the support of strong advertising. In doing these things this would in turn fulfill the customer’s needs and desires, leading the company towards a road of corporate success. As for his basic principles of business he added the following: 1. Foster growth and development through continuing research; 2. Treat employees in a fair, self-respecting way; 3. Reinvest profits to build and extend the business.
Not only did Eastman focus on satisfying his customers but he also focused on his employees. He believed that his employees should have more than just good wages. With this managerial mindset, he was able to stay ahead. Eastman began to plan for dividends on wages for employees. His first steps were providing a large amount of his own funds, gifting it to all that
Cited: About Fujifilm < http://www.fujifilmusa.com/about/index.html> Article. “Innovations Lead Fujifilm to Two New Technology Awards” 9 October 2012, 3 November 2012. < http://www.fujifilmusa.com/press/news/display_news?newsID=880358> Associated Press. "Eastman Kodak posts 3rd-quarter loss of $312 million as company struggles to survive" Washington Post. 31 October 2012. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/eastman-kodak-posts-3rd-quarter-loss-of-312-million-as-company-struggles-to-survive/2012/10/31/f482332e-2384-11e2-92f8-7f9c4daf276a_story.html> History of Kodak <http://www.kodak.com/ek/US/en/Our_Company/History_of_Kodak/George_Eastman.htm> Kana Inagaki. “Fujifilm Thrived by Changing Focus” The Wall Street Journal.1 January 2012, 3 November 2012. <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203750404577170481473958516.html>