Is Leadership the Key Success Factor in Ensuring a Sustainable Lean Culture?

Abstract

Many organization when tried to implement lean failed to transform themselves into a lean organization. The reason for this failure is the sole focus only on lean tools and methods which are the visible and superficial part of lean that are relatively easy to understand and implement. Such a focus yielded initial results but cannot not be sustained over time. When addressing this problem, this paper explores the following key research question: “How can lean be implemented such that the results are sustainable?”. The main objective of this paper is to investigate whether lean leadership is the key to successful lean implementation by exploring lean leadership in warehousing sector. This paper develops a theoretical framework in lean implementation and then examines it through real-life case studies in warehousing. Moreover, this research demonstrates why lean leadership principles are key to sustainable lean success. This paper is based on exhaustive literature review which is substantiated by case studies of logistics companies who have already rolled-out lean in their organisation. To illustrate practical validation of lean leadership this paper reviews lean-rollout in a contract logistics company. The review is followed by improved results, discussions and conclusion. The lean rollout in the logistic company manifested improved and sustaining results. Lean rollout improved warehouse performance by integrating principles of lean leadership. The outcome was an increase in productivity, development of people and financial gains.This research shows that lean leadership principles are key to achieving sustainable lean success in warehousing.