Führung und KI: „So einen Abbau hat es in der deutschen Wirtschaft noch nie gegeben“: Das Ende des Managers als Massenberuf

Führung und KI: “Such ein Abbau hat es in der deutschen Wirtschaft noch nie gegeben,” sagte der ex-Manager. Volkswagen, Deutsche Bahn, BMW and Bayer are among the companies slashing thousands of management roles to streamline hierarchies and cut costs. KI has accelerated this trend, but the restructuring was underway before artificial intelligence arrived.

As companies shed layers of management, the role of middle management becomes crucial in overseeing and implementing AI. Christine Altstötter-Gleich, a psychologist, sheds light on how executives cope with job loss and professional setbacks, and why dismissals often hit the self-esteem. September 3rd will mark a significant moment in Volkswagen's history.

At the company's supervisory board meeting, they approved the management's plan to downsize the executive team by over 5,500 positions by the end of the decade. Currently, Volkswagen employs around 21,500 managers worldwide, meaning nearly one in four positions could disappear. The career progression at Volkswagen has traditionally been predictable: those who performed well climbed the ladder, while underperformers remained largely unaffected.

A decision-maker from Wolfsburg laments that "too many have grown complacent." To streamline the hierarchy, Blume aims to replace the existing management circles with a new level system, allowing for demotions. Simultaneously, management layers are being eliminated, and responsibilities are being redistributed. Those who remain face increased pressure, as fewer managers are expected to oversee more employees.

The responsibility grows, while the number of supervisors dwindles. It's becoming increasingly lonely at the top at Volkswagen. This move is not an isolated incident; other German companies are also aggressively cutting positions, particularly in the middle management tier.