HR's Role in the Successful Lean Organization

A number of my clients are in some stage of implementing lean in their organizations, which has led to interesting discussion on the best compensation and performance management tools to support the lean initiative.  I was thankful to come across a great article on the topic: "HR's Role in the Lean Organizational Journey" in this quarter's WorldatWork Journal (volume 15 number 4), written by and featuring research conducted by Monica W. Tracey, Ph.D. (Assist Professor at Oakland University)and Jamie Flinchbaugh (co-author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean: Lessons from the Road).

From the study, which focuses on the leadership and organizational conditions most supportive of lean, the authors conclude that there are five significant predictors of successful lean implementation:

1. The development of teams as a supporting structure of lean
2. The calculation and communication of metrics
3. Communication among organizational members, particularly across organizational barriers
4. Managers explaining to the employees their role in lean implementation
5. The acknowledgement and celebration of successes toward lean implementation