Employee Participation in the Implementation of Lean Production Systems

The rising competition in global economy causes new challenges for manufacturing enterprises. In recent years, many enterprises try to improve their productivity and flexibility by implementing Lean Production Systems (LPS). Employees are a main warrantor for the sustainable success of LPS and should participate in the implementation. The adequate level of participation in the steps of the implementation process varies widely. In strategic questions, it is important to convince employees with a structured information and communication. In contrast, during the rollout the employees should participate actively. The paper describes the objectives of participation and the respective level of participation to achieve them.