An appropriate change strategy for lean success

Purpose – British empirical research suggests culture and change have contributed to every lean failure. While prevailing research implies that successful lean implementations lead to a profitable organisation it focuses on the low numbers of successful lean conversions. This paper aims to explore the importance of a suitable change strategy resulting in the likelihood of a triumphant lean implementation.Design/methodology/approach – Predominantly results from 68 survey questionnaires and seven case studies consisting of both questionnaires and interview schedules were utilised. Subsequently extensive lean audits were carried out in 20 companies as a comprehensive validating exercise.Findings – The significance of change was evident; a high correlation was found within the audits with successful organizations suggesting that a triumphant implementation requires a systematic and controlled change strategy.Research limitations/implications – While lean failures are attributable to different causes, the fund...