Performance of organisations treating lean as an ideology
Abstract
Purpose
British empirical research suggests culture and change have contributed to every lean failure. Whilst prevailing research implies that successful lean implementations lead to a profitable organisation, it focuses upon the low numbers of successful lean conversions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of a suitable change strategy resulting in the likelihood of a triumphant lean implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
Predominantly, results from 68 survey questionnaires and seven case studies consisting of both questionnaires and interview schedules were utilised. Subsequently, extensive lean audits were carried out in 20 companies as a comprehensive validating exercise.
Findings
The significance of change was evident; a high correlation was found within the audits with successful organizations, suggesting that a triumphant implementation requires a systematic and controlled change strategy.
Research limitations/implications
Whilst lean failures are attributable to different causes, the fundamental issues of corporate culture and change are evident. Every company needs to find its own way to implement lean and it should be viewed as a never‐ending journey.
Practical implications
The implementation of lean cannot be taken nonchalantly, owing to the investment in terms of time and money. Consequently, if an organization pursues the change strategy suggested, the probability of success implementation is improved.
Originality/value
This research, undertaken in British manufacturing organisations, focused on a bespoke change strategy for lean, as there exists a plethora of research focusing at the generic change process.
Keywords
Citation
Bhasin, S. (2011), "Performance of organisations treating lean as an ideology", Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 17 No. 6, pp. 986-1011. https://doi.org/10.1108/14637151111182729
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited