Utmaningar som företag ställs inför i arbetet med lean : En intervjustudie
Sammanfattning: This study aims to create consciousness about the challenges in the work with lean, both with theoretical and empirical linkage by addressing the following research question;” What challenges do companies face when working with lean?”. The question is studied since the majority of companies that have tried to work with lean have failed. One explanation is that companies face several challenges on their way to success. A literature study has been addressed and thereafter a qualitative interview study, to generate results with different perspectives. 12 respondents from five different companies in Sweden have been interviewed. The picked companies are Volvo, Scania, Dynamate, Enics and Fricweld. The interview material was analyzed with the theoretical framework 4P and the literature study, to clarify what challenges companies really face in the work with lean. The research question is answered by concluding that companies face eight challenges established by both empirical and previous studies; Lack of long-term thinking, knowledge, customer orientation, leader engagement and motivation of employees. The company culture could also become a challenge if it is not impregnated by lean’s vision and the lean thinking. The organizational structure becomes a challenge, if the structure complicates the communication flow between employees so it becomes inadequate. Lastly, improvement work is a challenge if it is not prioritized in the organization. Non-engaged leaders do not generate a company culture and communication flow that is impregnated with lean thinking. Without a culture and communication where all employees are involved, the motivation of employees will be negatively affected. Further, no improvement work will occur, as the employees are not engaged. Companies are also put to the challenge lack of knowledge, when neither employees' education nor participation is prioritized in the work. Lack of knowledge about customers lead to challenges in customer orientation, as knowledge about customer actual and latent needs are unknown. As lean is a continuous work, with no end, it is hard to avoid failures with lean, unless there's a long-term thinking. The found challenges in the study affect eachother and are linked. Together, they generate a bigger perspective of challenges that can occur in the work with lean. Challenges occurs in all of the 4P-model’s stages; philosophy, process, employees and stakeholders and problem solving. Companies need to be conscious about all challenges to avoid failure with the work with lean. The conclusions are both empirically and theoretical established and creates a consciousness about what challenges companies face in the work with lean, which meets the aim of this study. The result of this study is of interest to companies planning to introduce lean, companies working with lean, but also to others with interest about lean and it’s challenges.
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