Towards addressing respect for people during lean implementation

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate, report and interpret the true, original meaning of the Toyota Way Respect for People (RFP) principles as intended by their creators. Design/methodology/approach The investigation was conducted by means of a systematic literature review, and findings are reported in an RFP framework and interpreted by proposing a conceptual RFP lean implementation framework. Findings It was found that the literature on the subject is fragmented, though consistent, among various sources. No single framework was found that explained the RFP principles. The difference between and necessity for two value streams were discovered – a traditional product value stream that highlights problems and an additional people value stream that delivers people that can solve these problems. Furthermore, key emerging themes of RFP were found to be teamwork, develop and challenge people, motivation, develop people as problem-solvers, safety, remove waste and display people’s capabilities. Research/limitations implications The conceptual RFP lean implementation framework remains untested. Future research should, therefore, focus on gathering empirical data concerning the applicability and validity of the proposed conceptual RFP lean implementation framework in different contexts. Practical implications The explanation of the two different value streams allows organisations to shift their focus towards developing employees’ career paths, which will subsequently contribute towards improved organisational performance. The conceptual framework can also assist managers in providing the necessary psychological support during the change process of lean implementation. Thus, the proposed implementation framework suggests how to show RFP during lean implementation by assisting organisations to have a more balanced focus between the lean tools and techniques and the human side of lean management. Originality/value A contribution is made to the prevailing lean implementation literature by reporting the true, original meaning of the RFP principles as a single recapitulated framework. Furthermore, a conceptual RFP lean implementation framework is proposed that incorporates these RFP principles, according them the significance they are due. This review offers an understanding of the people aspect of lean implementation and proposes a practical means of addressing this often-neglected factor. The RFP framework and the RFP lean implementation framework could, therefore, possibly assist organisations in achieving more successful lean implementations.

The South African perspective on the lean manufacturing Respect for People principles

“…A total of 31 individual, exploratory discussions were conducted with a panel of 22 participants. At the start of each interview, the participant was provided with a summary of the RFP principles, as developed by Coetzee et al (2018).…”

An SEM Approach for the Barrier Analysis in Lean Implementation in Manufacturing Industries

“…Coetzee et al [20] Interpret the true meaning of Respect for People (RFP) according to the creators of the Toyota Way, which captures the principle of the organizational culture of the company. The Toyota Way is depicted as a house with two pillars-"RFP" and "Continuous Improvement".…”

Lean Manual Assembly 4.0: A Systematic Review

“…One key aspect of Lean production Systems (LPS) implementation is respect for people, which has been typically overseen [212]. Worker development defines the Toyota Production System (TPS) culture of respect and teamwork, and although it does not directly relate to bottom-line results, it is an integral component of the TPS implementation of kaizen (continuous improvement) [213].…”