Today's Close-Up

Management: Promotion or Punishment? — How Japan is Rethinking Leadership Roles (2025x20)

Data de estreia: Jun 05, 2025

The role of the Japanese manager has become increasingly complex and time-consuming — so much so that many junior workers now say they would prefer to avoid promotion to these demanding positions, which they consider a form of punishment. But help is at hand. At some companies, managers deploy an "AI boss" that can scan daily records and evaluate worker performances for them. Others are appointing independent proxy bosses to mentor their younger workers and give career advice. Some companies are doing away with traditional hierarchical structures altogether in a bid to encourage greater self-management and sharing of duties. We take a look at some modern-day role models for managers. Guest: Kobayashi Yuji (Chief Researcher, Persol Research and Consulting)