Lean production – an evaluation of the possibilities for an employee supportive lean practice: Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing and Service Industry

Peter Hasle

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

63 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

Lean is a contested concept. It has been praised for empowering employees, and it has been criticized for intensifying work and impairing the health and well-being of employees. This article is reviewing the literature on the relations etween lean and employees, and suggests ways for the Development of an employee-supportive lean practice. There is good evidence of lean’s adverse consequences for low-skilled employees in the auto industry and other assembly type manufacturing work, but there are also examples ofmore positive outcomes. It is important to emphasize that, not only lean thinking, but also the context and implementation of lean have consequences for employee outcomes. Research is still needed to demonstrate it in real life, but this analysis of lean thinking, context, and implementation suggests possibilities for developing a lean practice that is genuinely employee-supportive.
OriginalsprogDansk
TidsskriftHuman Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing and Service Industry
Vol/bind24
Udgave nummer1
Sider (fra-til)40-53
Antal sider14
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2014
Udgivet eksterntJa

Emneord

  • Lean practice; working environment; psychosocial factors; social capital; change management

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