Maximizing human potential 3: Fostering a diverse group of professionals to fuel business growth
At TIER IV, we are committed to our vision of making autonomous driving accessible to all. But achieving that goal means more than advancing autonomous driving – it also means continuously evolving the systems that support the people who create the technology.
Recently, we’ve been reviewing our policies and practices to create a workplace where employees can more easily embody our core values. Our goal is to create an environment where each individual can maximize their abilities, work in their own way, and collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds while supporting and respecting one another.
This blog series offers a glimpse into how we are reimagining the way people and teams work at TIER IV. In this installment, Saki Akiyama, head of the Talent Management Department, shares the thinking behind a recent organizational and role alignment, and what it means for team members.
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TIER IV’s rapid growth has been fueled by a flat organizational structure and by employees who act autonomously and make decisions quickly. However, as our business and team have grown, some challenges have become more apparent. For example, a flat structure can lead to power and decision-making being concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. This can cause work to be unevenly distributed due to unclear roles, which could potentially hinder business momentum and limit growth opportunities for our employees. So, we decided to get back to basics and create an environment where every employee can take initiative and thrive. This led to the launch of our organizational and role alignment initiative.
Reflecting the perspectives of employees
As mentioned in the first installment of this series, our CHRO had one-on-one conversations with around 100 employees to gather feedback and identify issues from the front lines. The CHRO then discussed these findings with all the executives individually, and we carefully developed a plan. This alignment, which reflects both the views of employees and management, is being implemented in phases starting October 1.
The initiative has two main pillars: “clarifying organizational hierarchies” and “redefining job titles.”
For the first pillar, clarifying organizational hierarchies, we clearly defined the structural layers of the organization – unit, division, department, section, and group – clarifying the roles, responsibilities, and authority for each layer. For important internal projects, we also created a more systematic structure of committees and task forces that improves information sharing and enhances transparency in decision-making.
For the second pillar, redefining job titles, we have clarified the roles and responsibilities for each title, establishing a common understanding across the company. We've also introduced specialized positions common in the tech sector, such as fellow and distinguished, as well as leadership roles for cross-departmental projects. This new system supports diverse career goals, whether employees want to deepen their expertise or take on new challenges. Ultimately, this will help us build a broad team of professionals and accelerate our business growth.
Evolving HR systems for a stronger future
We're already hearing positive feedback, with employees saying things like, "My role is clearer, and it's easier to show leadership," and "It's simpler to set my goals and visualize my career path." We can feel the overall motivation and momentum increasing throughout the company.
This initiative isn’t just a quick fix. We will continue to evolve our organization to adapt to the company’s growth and changes in the business environment. Our goal is to balance sustainable organizational growth with the personal challenges and development of each employee. If this resonates with you, get in touch – let’s shape the future of autonomous driving together.
Saki Akiyama, third from left, with members of the HR team
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TIER IV is always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our journey. If you share our vision of making autonomous driving accessible to all, get in touch.
Visit our careers page to view all job openings.
If you’re unsure which roles fit your experience, or if the current job openings don’t quite match your preferences, you can register your interest here. We’ll contact you when a suitable role becomes available and arrange an informal interview.
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Business: sales@tier4.jp
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