(Yicai Global) July 13 -- The e-commerce arm of Alibaba Group Holding has confirmed rumors of the imperative to update its human resource hierarchy but the schedule is not ready yet.

A reform is necessary but the scheme is still in the study stage, The Paper reported today, citing Taobao Tmall Commerce Group which has not disclosed more details of the plan.

Online rumors recently claimed that the e-commerce arm of Alibaba has launched its biggest personnel reform in years, involving staff performance, ranking levels, and various other core items. An initial reform playbook was allegedly formed.

Hangzhou-based Alibaba has two HR hierarchy levels for workers, including professional and management, according to public information. Professionals include programmers, product managers, as well as operating and marketing staff. A high P ranking is linked with higher pay and better career prospects.

A media outlet reported that the group will cancel the P ranking system in the reform. Rumors purported that the existing P rankings from P4 to P8 will be replaced by a range from Level 14 to 28. Moreover, employees' salaries and bonuses will allegedly be more determined by the scale of the business and teams.

Editor: Emmi Laine