Implications of Total Productive Maintenance in Psychological Sense of Ownership

Abstract

Problem Statement: In a global market as we are experiencing nowadays, the search for competitive advantages over its competitors is one of the required strategies for companies that intend to survive. This way, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Model provides the development such as autonomous maintenance. This method resorts to different tools, in order to seek operators commitment to maintain optimal conditions for production and equipment performance. Research Questions: What are the implications of Total Productive Maintenance in Psychological Sense of Belonging? Purpose of the Study: To evaluate an operator's psychological sense of ownership in a section of a particular plant, in order to propose and encourage ways of making them able to promote high levels of productivity for the operator's work. Research MethodsA descriptive study conducted with a convenience sample of 30 participants living in Portugal. Psychological Sense of Ownership was assessed by the Psychological Ownership Questionnaire (Avey et al., 2009). This allows sense of belonging to be measured, providing support to the five dimensions of this feeling (self-efficacy, self-identity, owning a house, responsibility and territoriality).Findings: The existence of a psychological sense of ownership by operators was confirmed for the factory's section areas and production lines. Both a significant and positive association for all 5 dimensions (Territoriality, Self-efficacy, Self-identity, Owning a House and Responsibility) was found, particularly for the General Warehouse and Palletizing. ConclusionsThe implementation of TPM tools promoted the interaction of operators with the equipment, providing continual attention in detecting and anticipating anomalies resulting in the reduction of failures, breakdowns and quality defects. The existence of a culture promoting a sense of psychological ownership ensures the commitment of workers and generates increased levels of productivity.