noun
side-by-side arrangement; parallel positioning
Describes objects or people lined up horizontally, often in a row. Can be used literally or figuratively for things that are equal or aligned.
机を横並びに配置した。
We arranged the desks side by side.
横並びの家が続く通り。
A street lined with houses standing side by side.
noun
following the crowd; going along with others
Often used in business or social contexts to describe a tendency to imitate others or avoid standing out, e.g., companies adopting the same policies.
他社と横並びの価格設定では競争に勝てない。
You can't win the competition with pricing that just follows other companies.
横並び意識が強い組織では革新が生まれにくい。
In an organization with a strong herd mentality, innovation is unlikely to emerge.
noun
equal treatment; egalitarian approach
Refers to treating everyone or everything the same way, without differentiation. Can carry a nuance of uniformity that may be positive (fairness) or negative (lack of flexibility).
給与を横並びで上げるのではなく、成果に応じて差をつけるべきだ。
Instead of raising salaries uniformly, we should differentiate based on performance.
横並びのサービスでは顧客の満足は得られない。
Uniform service won't satisfy customers.