Singapore Opportunity Index

Murata Singapore develops managers as “Culture Builders”

Murata Electronics Singapore is a subsidiary of Japanese firm Murata Manufacturing, a producer of electronic components, modules and applications for edge devices, IT infrastructure, mobility and more. Its top 20% ranking on the Singapore Opportunity Index reflects its commitment to employee satisfaction as a core competency.

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“The company is just a tool that brings employees together and builds their collective strength. People are the most important element in our company. If we have very satisfied employees, our customers will be satisfied.”

—Eko Ongsono, General Manager, Human Resources

Murata welcomes a diversity of talent and has a management framework to support their growth. It regularly gathers employees' feedback and involves them in decisions about workplace initiatives. The company's leadership is also trained to be nurturing to foster a respectful working environment.

Attracting diverse talent:

Murata opens its doors to a wide range of experiences, whether acquired in school or at work, and leverages this diversity to meet the company’s needs. For example, it draws on the technical knowledge of fresh graduates and the production expertise of experienced staff to implement artificial intelligence (AI) in production. The company also offers scholarships, including the Singapore Government Industrial Scholarship, to attract talent. New hires can rotate roles within the company, not only in Singapore but also across Murata's overseas affiliates.

Inculcating a growth mindset:

The company offers individual development plans that outline employees' potential career pathways within the organisation. To inspire young professionals in their career journey, it publishes “leadership career stories” that showcase the opportunities that helped senior colleagues advance to their current roles. The company also offers a career mentorship programme through which employees can choose a featured general manager or director as their personal mentor, helping them identify growth areas and strategic pathways for progression.

Emphasising employee satisfaction:

Murata conducts annual surveys to measure employees' perceived opportunities for career growth, their ability to choose their career path, and the availability of training resources. The company then holds focus group discussions to gain an in-depth understanding of the survey responses and develop targeted initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction. Murata employees also vote on workplace initiatives. To help them make informed decisions, the company conducts deliberative polling to present balanced information on key workplace policies. This approach not only ensures meaningful, well-considered contributions from employees but also provides the company with insights into how opinions evolve through constructive dialogue.

Leading a respectful corporate culture:

Recognising that managers are the primary point of contact for employees and play a key role in shaping the desired company culture, Murata invests heavily in leadership competency. It encourages managers to create a safe environment where employees can voice concerns openly. Managers are trained on the company's leadership principles and are expected to inspire, guide and motivate their teams effectively. To strengthen accountability, Murata's leadership receives structured input from supervisors and peers, giving them a holistic view of their strengths and areas for improvement.

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