Executive Attitudes toward Lean Management: 2015 versus 2023

Abstract

This research aims to gain insights into the current state of Lean management at Landspitali, the National University Hospital of Iceland. Lean management methodology is defined as maximizing customer value with minimal cost. Landspitali initiated the implementation of Lean management methodology in 2011, with the consulting firm McKinsey & Company providing support and guidance during the process. The implementation focused on training and educating staff to allow managers to apply the methodology in their daily work. After four years of experience with the implementation, a study was conducted to explore managers\' attitudes towards Lean management. The study revealed a need for additional training and development for staff, and a training school was subsequently established to teach the main Lean management methods. The following research questions were posed in this study: firstly, have the attitudes of Landspitali\'s managers toward Lean management changed with increased implementation?; and secondly, do Landspitali\'s managers feel that they receive adequate training and support on how to apply Lean management in their work? The research objective was to assess the perspectives of Landspitali\'s managers regarding Lean management and provide a comparative analysis. with the aforementioned study conducted in 2015, which also explored the attitudes of Landspitali\'s managers towards Lean management. The previous study conducted in 2015 employed a quantitative methodology, using a questionnaire with 18 questions presented to all 169 active managers at Landspitali, with a response rate of 49.1%. This current study similarly used quantitative methods, distributing a questionnaire with 18 questions to 115 hospital managers, resulting in a response rate of 54.7%. The main findings of the research revealed that most managers are familiar with Lean management methodology; however, the results also suggest that they need more confidence in the Lean methodology\'s effectiveness. The finding could be attributed to insufficient information about the benefits of using Lean management. The result is an incentive for Landspitali and others to continue to increase motivation in-house through knowledge and support for the people.