Johnson & Johnson's credo puts people over profit
Johnson & Johnson's 1943 credo uniquely places patient well-being and ethical responsibility above financial gain, shaping its 80-year commitment to public trust.
In 1943, Johnson & Johnson's chairman penned a credo prioritizing doctors, nurses, patients, and their families above shareholders and profits. This bold stance, displayed prominently at their headquarters, has guided operations for over 80 years. It emphasizes ethical innovation, famously demonstrated during the 1982 Tylenol crisis when the company recalled 31 million bottles after tampering, costing over $100 million. This swift action set a benchmark for corporate social responsibility, restoring trust and influencing other businesses to balance ethics with economics.