Introduction
“"Artificial intelligence will take away jobs"”That expression might actually be outdated. There's evidence that industry leaders like Google and Disney, which partnered with OpenAI, have reversed course and shifted towards an "AI-first" approach.
This article goes beyond a simple technical explanation, offering practical insights for business professionals on topics such as "Why is AI utilization being emphasized in companies now?" and "How can you improve your own AI literacy within your company?"
1. What is AI-first management?
“AI First”"”
"To fully utilize the power of artificial intelligence"Words from Foam Code
Traditional way of thinking
- Technology replacing people → viewed with suspicion as a threat to jobs.
- There is caution regarding the introduction of general-purpose AI, as it is perceived as "a poorly designed AI."
- Deciding that it cannot be used solely for security or data leakage reasons.
A new way of thinking (AI-first)
- As technology advances, it becomes necessary to change the very way companies operate.
- “It's important to view it as a "tool that expands human capabilities."
- The risk of information leakage can be avoided if it is managed properly.
2. Realities we can learn from Daisy Inc.'s comeback story
The most striking example is the transformation of The Walt Disney Company.
“Disney's decision to be "anti-AI":
- Announcement on December 2nd: Capital alliance with OpenAI announced.
- The company provided its characters to Sora, an AI that generates videos, and made the decision to turn the tables on a lawsuit filed by the company for unauthorized use.
Specific implementation within the company
“A new tool called "Disney GPII":
- A beta version of the chat tool for employees was released on October 2nd.
- Includes a function to upload internal company documents (different from conventional AI).
- It was adopted as a system to dramatically improve work efficiency.
This isn't just about "technology adoption," but rather a decision to "offer up characters that are relevant to the company's value."
The reality revealed by survey data
According to a survey of 1,000 US office workers published by Calypso AI:
“"An employee of 52% responded, 'Even if it goes against company policy, I will use AI if it makes my work easier.'"”
These figures truly reflect the "feelings on the ground." Instead of making a top-down decision to "prohibit" something, it's necessary to understand "why people want to use it" before promoting it.
3. A new organizational design based on tasks
“"Traditional thinking":
- Team A, Team B, etc., gather people who are producing results within their respective departments.
- Defining work within the broad framework of "mission" or "project"
“"Thinking in the AI Era":
The focus shifts to a task-based (work unit) perspective.
This approach is based on the research of Professor Masashi Goto of Hodo University.
Specific mechanism:
- Break down the task into smaller parts such as A, B, and C.
- For each task, determine whether it should be done by a human or by AI.
- Allocate in the most efficient combination.
“"Work speed has improved dramatically."”
4. A real-world example of "Foam Code": App development in 2 months
“"Activity name "Utakata Code", age 20:
- A user has developed a homemade app for Google Maps that allows users to record travel memories.
- It also includes a feature that allows you to set your "favorite character" and convert the text you enter into expressions that resemble that character.
“"The app was developed by a colleague who had only studied app development for two months."”
VARD Japan is a company that provides support services for people facing employment difficulties, and it operates by receiving outsourced work from major corporations.
5. The process of transitioning to AI-first management
- A shift in perception:“View them not as "enemies that steal jobs," but as "tools that expand your capabilities."
- Task breakdown:We will subdivide the mission into A, B, C, etc., and consider efficient allocation.
- Implementation of internal tools:We are considering making general-purpose AI available in conjunction with measures to prevent data leaks.
- Human resource development:“The example of "even beginners can do it in two months" demonstrates that it's possible if you have basic skills.
Important point: The importance of preventing information leaks
The reality is that many companies haven't even reached the starting line yet.
- In many cases, the use of general-purpose AI is prohibited.
- "Ban the use of 'stupid AI' that can't even perform basic web searches."”
- Security measures are now essential.
Summary: The essence of AI-first management lies in "capability enhancement."
“From the perspective of "economic organization theory":
Companies of the future must be structured on a "task (work) basis" rather than a "people basis."
“"Work speed has improved dramatically."”
However, the reality is that "many companies in Ichinomiya have not yet reached the starting line." Many companies prohibit the use of general-purpose AI on company computers for fear of information leaks, or they prohibit the use of "stupid" AI that can't even perform basic web searches.
“"The essence of AI-first management"”
Disney's comeback is not merely a temporary trend, but embodies a changing era. The fact that a company that once sued over "character theft" has now decided to "use its IP by forming a capital alliance with AI" reflects an unavoidable reality as technology continues to evolve.
“"A 20-year-old named Utakata Code was able to develop an app in a short period of two months. This is no coincidence. It is proof that it is possible even for beginners. If you and your colleagues can think in the same way, then you will have taken the first step towards AI-first management."
“"We have the power to utilize excellent workforce through human resource support alone." - Takaya Ono, CEO, VARD Japan
“"It's possible with just a little support. There's no reason why society shouldn't take advantage of it."”
AI-first management is a shift in perspective from fearing the technology itself to focusing on "how to enhance human capabilities." It requires starting with concrete steps, such as introducing internal tools in conjunction with information leakage countermeasures and designing a task-based organizational structure.
“"I'll use AI if it makes my job easier, even if it goes against company policy." (Calypso AI survey of 1,000 US office workers)
How should we interpret this hope held by the employees of 52%? This is not merely a result of a survey; it will demonstrate our commitment to "listening to the voices of those on the ground and responding sincerely."
“"Changes in the definition of work"”
"Tasks required to achieve the mission" Traditional organizations focused on gathering people who could contribute to results. But in the age of AI, the focus shifts to "necessary tasks."
“Professor Goto of Hodo University clearly points out this change. Instead of frameworks like Team A and Team B, a new organizational capability is required: "the ability to appropriately determine whether each task should be done by a human or by AI."
“"Balancing increased work speed with human resource support"”
"Those facing employment difficulties can become excellent workers with just a little support. It would be a shame for society not to utilize this potential."
The case of Foam Code demonstrates that AI can be utilized even by people who "don't have the ability to write code." This overturns the conventional wisdom that "highly skilled personnel are necessary."
