Published Interview with Daniel Kim, Proponent of 'A Core Theory of Success', the Most Influential Organizational Development Model in Japan

Human Value Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hirokazu Asuwa), which provides consulting for corporate management transformation and organizational/human resource development, has published a special interview article with Mr. Daniel Kim, a world-renowned authority on organizational learning and the proponent of "A Core Theory of Success," to commemorate its 40th anniversary.

Article URL: https://www.humanvalue.co.jp/wwd/research/insights/humanvalue_40anniversary-2/

■ Overview: Touching the "Source" of the Most Famous Organizational Development Model in Japan It is no exaggeration to say that anyone involved in organizational culture reform or organizational development in Japan knows about "A Core Theory of Success."

Improving the "quality of relationships" changes the "quality of thinking," which improves the "quality of actions," ultimately leading to the "quality of results." This simple yet powerful framework has deeply permeated as a common language for corporate management and organizational development.

About 30 years have passed since Human Value Inc. encountered this theory at a conference held in the United States in the 1990s and continued to introduce it to Japan. Today, to the surprise of the proponent Daniel Kim himself, it has undergone a uniquely Japanese evolution and is utilized in the transformation initiatives of many companies.

However, while the model has spread widely, there have been very few opportunities to touch upon the "philosophy" behind the theory—such as "what kind of thoughts led the proponent, Daniel Kim, to weave this model" and "how he views the current chaotic world."

This interview was realized out of a desire to inform Mr. Daniel Kim of how extensively this model is being utilized in Japan, while simultaneously creating an opportunity for practitioners in Japan to engage with his thinking.

■ Highlights of This Interview ### The Story Behind the Birth of "A Core Theory of Success" and Thoughts on Japan Why was this model created? And Mr. Kim's frank surprise and joy that the theory he created from the thought, "No theory, no learning," has become a support for Japanese companies.

### Misunderstandings About "Quality of Relationships" and Its True Definition It is not just about being "good friends"