How Human Resource Departments Can Help Lean Transformation

C ompanies have begun to understand that lean is about more than 5-S and U-shaped cells. It is also about people, culture, and leadership. However, Human Resource (HR) departments seldom seem to take an active role in lean transformations. How can companies and their HR departments better engage the full human potential of lean? To assist answering this question, we conducted a research study. From it, we discovered from actual practice not only how HR, but leadership creates better organizational conditions to support lean transformation. Our results indicated that five key variables predict successful lean transformation: