The four years spent at the Matsushita Institute are devoted to self-development. The associates come up with their research themes on their own. They also put their research into practice, appeal to the public, and seek to refine their themes by themselves. The four-year period is divided into two parts. The first, lasting two years, is based on cooperative activity. The second, lasting two years, is centered on independent activity. One purpose of the program of study and training is to develop the ability to set up a goal and to act independently to realize it. Fundamental to the program are "the principles of self-training and development" (jishu jitoku), "making lessons of all experience" (banji kenshu), and "emphasizing the local reality of here and now" (genchi genba-shugi). Associates do not take a passive attitude waiting for someone to teach them something. They are required to assume a proactive attitude, acquiring knowledge by and for themselves. As a consequence, there are no full-time instructors at the MIGM.