Understanding the Role of Judgment in Businesses During the AI Era

In recent discussions, the concept of "judgment" in the context of businesses has gained considerable attention as we navigate through the AI era. Request Inc., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has recently published a comprehensive report based on the practices and analyses of 980 companies and approximately 338,000 employees. This report aims to clarify what constitutes judgment for organizations in a time when AI is rapidly evolving and redefining work practices.

The Essence of Judgment

The core question explored in the report is simple yet profound: what does judgment mean within a corporate environment? As companies increasingly recognize the significance of judgment, the ambiguity surrounding its definition poses challenges for training and operational design. Traditionally understood as an abstract skill, this report endeavors to redefine judgment as a practical act, essential for informed decision-making in complex situations.

With the rise of generative AI, tasks such as answering questions, organizing information, and following established procedures are becoming faster and more accurate. The ability to reference past precedents has also been enhanced, particularly in situations where current conditions closely resemble previous ones, allowing AI to act as a robust adjunct.

However, the real world is filled with variables that complicate decision-making. Different clients present unique challenges; case constraints vary; priorities shift based on operational contexts; and stakeholders often have differing perspectives. In these scenarios, mere reliance on past examples is insufficient. Understanding the nuances and determining how to best apply precedents—or when to diverge from them—emerges as a crucial aspect of professional judgment.

Thus, at Request Inc., we view judgment as the process of recognizing and adapting to these differences—essentially, it is how we navigate various conditions in a way that promotes effective outcomes. While knowing precedents and understanding procedures remain important, they cannot replace the nuanced analysis that true judgment requires.