Managerial Promotions Often Lead To Arrogance, Japan Poll Finds

As managerial workers climb the corporate ladder, fewer make efforts to understand their subordinates, and more tend to ignore inconvenient opinions, according to a survey by a Japanese company, Yuki Machino reported for Mainichi Japan.

"If managers do not consciously look at themselves objectively and face challenges, they will stagnate and ultimately restrict the organization's growth," according to All Different Co.

The poll, conducted by All Different Co., a Tokyo-based organization and human resources development consulting firm, surveyed 415 participants of its management training courses between May and July 2024.

A company official stated, "If managers do not consciously look at themselves objectively and face challenges, they will stagnate and ultimately restrict the organization's growth."

The survey categorized section chiefs in their first to third years as "new managers," those in their fourth year and beyond as "veteran managers," and department managers as "executive candidates."

When asked, "Do you feel there are challenges while fulfilling your managerial role?" 79.1% of new managers, 64.7% of veteran managers, and 53.0% of executive candidates responded "yes, very often" or "yes, often," indicating a decline in perceived challenges as people advance.

When asked, "What efforts are you putting in to fulfill your management role?" (allowing multiple answers), "closely observing subordinates" was chosen by 53.6% of new managers, 45.7% of veteran managers, and 43.9% of executive candidates, further demonstrating a gradual decrease as positions become more senior.