Revolution in Corporate Japan: Employees Electing Their Bosses Draws Mixed Reactions

A radical change in corporate Japan is causing a stir as a system where subordinates choose their superiors is being trialed. The concept, while controversial has received a mixed response. Advocates celebrate the shift towards a more democratic workplace, while critics express concerns over potential power imbalances. The implementation, time frame, and impact on corporate culture are yet unknown.

In Japan, a traditionally hierarchical society, this move challenges existing norms. Career progression is often based on seniority, and superiors maintain a significant influence over subordinates' careers. This new policy stirs both excitement and apprehension among Japanese workers about their roles and directions in dedicated workplaces.

In the US and EU, a few organizations practice this type of management, such as the holacracy model. However, it's usually limited to start-ups or smaller companies that prioritize flexibility. Such large-scale implementation as seen in Japan's corporate sector is rare.

Information for Your Country

For individuals outside Japan interested in learning more about this development, the article "When Workers Choose Their Boss: Shifting Power at Work" by Harvard Business Review provides useful insight. [Link: https://hbr.org/2021/08/when-workers-pick-their-boss-shifting-power-at-work]