Design or development? Beyond the LP‐STS debate; inputs from a Volvo truck case

In this paper, we will show that the debate between advocates of lean production and the socio‐technical approach has concentrated too much on the design aspect of the production structure, while neglecting the development aspect of teamwork. This paper addresses the question whether it is production design or team development that explains business performance and the quality of working life. The data are taken from four departments of the Volvo truck plant in Umea (Sweden) that is redesigning from socio‐technical based assembly to line‐assembly. We conclude that good design of the production structure is necessary, but not sufficient for good performance; team development is just as important, although it requires a favorable context.

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