Since September 2022, Roche’s Pharma Site Organization in Basel has adopted a self-organized structure based on holacratic principles. This shift separated functional and personnel responsibilities, fostering employee development and team autonomy. However, challenges emerged, such as scattered autonomy leading to disconnection and the re-emergence of silo behavior. The question arises regarding how overall coordination and organizational success can be ensured without restricting autonomy.

The Design Thinking method addressed challenges by analyzing the situation through document analysis to define the problem statement. The ideation phase was supported by reviewing relevant theories, resulting in the Pier Method prototype. This method aligns strategies while preserving team autonomy and focuses on four components: tracking Performance, understanding Impact, linking Efforts, and assessing Risk. It was tested using empirical data collection methods, including focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews, ensuring practical, creative solutions tailored to Roche's needs.

The Pier method was found to facilitate alignment by providing a transparent structure of relevant information which leads to effective decision-making and strategic alignment within the agile organization. It supported the network concept of an agile organization by aligning work with respective impact to the stakeholder rather than the individual interest of teams, promoting interconnected teamwork. The method also demonstrated that the interplay of KPIs and OKRs could measure performance effectively while allowing teams the flexibility to define strategic directions independently. Overall, the Pier method was seen as crucial for ensuring coordination and success within Roche’s self-organized structure, fostering a high-performing organization.