Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-06-12 10:58Core Insights - The article discusses the reflections of Yuan An, a former research and development leader at Alibaba, on the company's evolution, existing challenges, and suggestions for improvement [1][2] - Yuan An emphasizes that Alibaba's mission is to make business easier for everyone, but he notes a shift in focus towards KPIs and financial metrics over customer-centric values [1] - The article highlights a perceived decline in Alibaba's growth momentum due to external market conditions, failed acquisitions, and a lack of successful internal innovation [1] Group 1: Company Challenges - Yuan An identifies three main areas of concern within Alibaba: people, finance, and operations, citing issues such as unclear strategy, bureaucratic practices, and a focus on superficial metrics [1] - He attributes these problems to a loss of values and mission-driven focus, stating that the company has become mediocre despite its size [1] Group 2: Recommendations for Improvement - Yuan An suggests a renewed emphasis on cultural values, prioritizing customer focus, teamwork, clear strategy, and passion for work [2] - He recommends restructuring the HR system, reforming management practices, and eliminating underperforming middle management to enhance operational effectiveness [2] - The article notes that Alibaba's founder, Jack Ma, acknowledged Yuan An's insights and expressed hope for the company's evolution [2]