Idealism

Idealism in the Cyberpunk Universe refers to the belief that corporations are mostly forces for positive change. It posits that captains of industry are taking the charge in making the world a better place.

In terms of aesthetics, it is closely related to Neokitsch.

Principles

• Corporations serve the interests of their workers better than other institutions (States, Labor Unions, NGOs etc.)
• Meritocracy is a real phenomenon - a diligent worker will always be rewarded for his effort.
• The Invisible Hand of the Market guides Corporate profit: those who try to play dirty (both singular Execs and entire Corps) are punished sooner or later.

Those most likely to subscribe to the ideas put forth by Idealism are Corpzoners, Movers and Beavers - the three strata of Night City that have been lucky enough to be recognized by the corporate machine and actually receive meaningful rewards from it for their loyalty.

For an Idealist, an unfair valuation, a nasty boss or a bad order are mishaps that occur due to the human interference in the corporate machine. To that end, even if Corporations can self-regulate, bad actors can take advantage of the well-oiled cogs. But, say Idealists, all disruptions come to an end by way of the strong arm of the HR department.

Idealists can be found across all Corporations, but often have to be tied to some sort of connection to said company - loyalty via dependance, conditioning, education.
For example, many Corporations prefer to have private schooling options for their most loyal Corpzoners in order to preemptively indoctrinate their children - Arasaka School of Economics, Militech Academy of Engineering and so on.
Loyalty can also be bought via supplying the worker with a comfortable lifestyle inevitably tied to the corporation. A Biotechnica Beaver living in Rancho Coronado would stand to lose more than just their source of income if they quit or betrayed the Corp - they'd lose their house, their car, the respect of their peers.

Patrons

Although many believers of Idealism look up to these individuals, they are not necessarily believers in the ideology as well. Many CEOs merely construct a cult of personality around themselves to the point of veneration.

• Saburo Arasaka, the CEO of Arasaka
• Donald Lundee, the CEO of Militech and ex-director of the Pentagon
• Elizabeth Kress, ex-president of Militech and Acting President of the NUSA

Further Reading

Corporate Idealism^[1] can be traced back to ideas like Corporate Social Responsibility, Socially Responsible Investing and, most importantly, Environmental, social, and governance. These three principle posit that Corporations are responsible to self-regulate (and to be influenced by the stakeholders, i.e. their investors) in a positive manner.
In a more philosophical sense, the way Idealists perceive themselves and their Patrons is akin to Ayn Rand's Objectivism.