Evolution process toward various ways of working

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the process through which various ways of working can be realized by analyzing the case of Cybozu, Inc. and presenting hypotheses about the process. In recent years, this working have been receiving attention as the working environment has evolved. Previous studies have shown how to implement this working as a part of work-life balance studies. However, Cybozu, Inc., a leading company of this working in Japan, has realized this working using a different approach than those found in previous studies. Therefore, we conducted an exploratory qualitative analysis of this company. We used books written by the president of this company, corporate materials released to the public, records of employee interviews, and newspaper articles related to this company. As a result of our analysis, we propose the following hypotheses. Various ways of working can be realized by introducing after considering personnel policies according to specific circumstances of individuals while involving employees, under the leaders’ decision. Various ways of working cannot be achieved through a single personnel policy, but by sequentially combining multiple personnel policies from the perspective of individual work styles. Personnel policies are instilled into employees when the leaders themselves use them.