IKEA attempts to resolve the paradox of its devotion to cost-cutting and its altruistic self-image with team spirit.
But Mr. Tanaka set out to undercut his rivals with deft automation, an investment in information technology, some creativity and an almost extreme devotion to cost-efficiency.
He built his empire through acquisitions and a devotion to cost-cutting, eschewing the opulent theme hotels built by some other casino moguls.
But WorldCom recently announced just such a move, a layoff that will eliminate 3,700 jobs, and analysts say it is already the leanest of all of the major phone companies because of the devotion of Mr. Ebbers to cost controls.
Welch was a feared and confrontational manager, with a fanatical devotion to cutting costs and boosting profits.
But their devotion to ultrasimple, cost-conscious voyaging has also been ripe for both lampooning and criticism, particularly from those who believe cruising boats must be equipped with hefty diesel engines and copious electronics.
Her devotion to Bulger has also cost her a fine of $150,000, which she paid by selling her home, and she cannot profit from her life story.
His devotion to the company apparently cost his first marriage, which ended in a £29m divorce settlement in 2005, his former wife complaining she had been "marginalised".
Scrolling through Q group timelines reveals a sad collective of individuals who seem to think the world has passed them by, and whose breathless devotion to this particular cause has cost them their friendships, families, marriages, and jobs.
Results still rule, but the days of blind devotion to profit at any cost are gone.
That devotion to experimentation comes at a cost.
