Lean Production – One path to organizational Resilience?

Abstract

In this in­depth single­case study from a large international aerospace and defence company, we ask the following research question: In what ways does lean production influence organizational resilience? Our findings suggest that various lean practices, such as lean meetings, using lean tools and a lean production­inspired organizational culture promote the development of organizational capabilities that foster anticipation, coping, and adaptation – the three stages of organizational resilience. We find that lean practices enhance agility, promote more flexible procedures, increased strategic decentralization and greater ‘sharp end’ involvement – all of which are conducive to resilience. Further, our data suggest that organizational learning and a lean­inspired culture reinforce the synergy between lean practices and organizational resilience. Interestingly, if there is too much standardization, lean practices may potentially also undermine organizational resilience.