February 2023 6th issue: Should the individual adapt to the company, or should the company adapt to the individual?
In an industry where there is little change, and in companies where the idea of lifetime employment and seniority is strong, it is easy to think that it is natural for individuals to adapt to the company. New employees are treated as "apprentices" under their superiors for years. Employees who have been with us for a long time are great, and young people must listen to their elders. Innovative ideas and opinions are more likely to be rejected or ignored. In such companies, individuals are expected to match the company.
On the other hand, in rapidly changing industries, companies with many mid-career hires such as non-regular employment and headhunting, and companies with a strong belief in meritocracy and results, it is often necessary for companies to value individuality and adapt to individuals. Mid-career hires are expected to play an active role as "ready to work", and it is considered that it is rather unproductive to assign older bosses and treat them as "apprentices" for many years. Rather than the number of years of service, the career and skills of the individual, the ability to read the changes of the times, the negotiation and presentation skills are important. Rather than the length of service, it is easy to question individual ability.
The problem arises when an industry that has been relatively static for many years suddenly undergoes drastic change. If a company, which until now had a strong idea of lifetime employment and seniority system, suddenly increased non-regular employment and headhunting, it would create a big strain within the company. Half-hearted adoption of meritocracy and performance-based thinking also causes various problems within the company. Even so, it will be difficult to make good use of mid-career hires if the old seniority system remains unchanged.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether the individual should adapt to the company or the company should adapt to the individual. It is important to educate new employees and make them fit into the corporate culture, and it is also important for companies to adapt to individuals in order to make full use of their individuality.
However, there is no doubt that companies must be chosen by customers, and must continue to be chosen, no matter how the industry changes. If it is no longer chosen by customers, the company will have no choice but to shrink.
Companies must be sensitive to changes in the industry and anticipate changes. A fixed corporate culture leads to the decline of the company. In order for a company to continue to be chosen by customers, it is necessary for the company to constantly revise its internal thinking and policies. Sometimes it is better to adapt individuals to companies, and sometimes it is better for companies to follow individuals.
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