The human dimension of lean: a literature review

Abstract

ABSTRACTInterest in lean, the managerial system exemplified by the Toyota Production System, has gradually spread throughout different industries since the 1980s. Compared to mass production systems, lean systems ultimately transform the way employees act within their work environment. Despite significant improvements in operations management, the human dimension of lean has received surprisingly limited attention from the academic realm, until recently. This study serves primarily as a literature review of articles at the crossroads between the technical part of lean and its human-related issues. We reviewed 95 articles and our analysis provides a clearer view of the evolution of lean literature with regard to its human elements. The different levels of analysis can be summarised as follows: lean’s impact on working conditions and employee outcomes, HR practices as facilitators of lean adoption, and employee development as a moderator of lean adoption. We conclude with a framework that serves as a potential guide to include the human dimension of lean in research.