An empirical test of the rigid flexibility model

Abstract

AbstractThis paper summarises the findings of an empirical study to test the validity of the ‘rigid flexibility’ [Collins, R.S., Schmenner, R., 1993. Achieving rigid flexibility: factory focus for the 1990s. Eur. Manage. J., 11 (4) 443–447.] model for manufacturing strategy. The basic tenet of the model is that flexibility in manufacturing, and thereby responsiveness to market requirements, is achieved through simplicity in process and discipline in procedures. The empirical study was carried out using the merged Made in Europe (Hanson et al., 1994) and Made in Switzerland (Collins et al., 1996) database, derived from a benchmarking study of manufacturing practice and performance at some 800 plants in five European countries. The model is considered in relation to two other models for manufacturing strategy, namely the trade‐off and cumulative models. In addition, differences between countries in the adoption of the rigid flexibility model are also considered. The results of the empirical test of the rigid flexibility model were positive, and the model has proven to be valid and applicable in whole or in part across several European countries.