Effective strategy for lean implementation under a culturally diversified environment case: Danish subsidiary in Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organisations from the Western part of the world, can combine the issue of handling cultural challenges along with seeking to optimise internal processes through lean management, efficiently when operating in Southeast Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consists of two expert interviews, two focused interviews and a structured questionnaire. The study is based on a deductive approach when collecting and systemising the data. It is further based on contemporary literature on lean, including books, articles and online material.

Findings

Organisations can ensure a sustainable implementation plan and maintenance of their lean strategy, by using the 10 step model which considers cultural influences and the most typical errors in a change process. It is important that lean is seen as an ongoing process and is systematically repeated step by step. Furthermore, it is important that the companies consider cultural impacts in the society, along with the individuals’ values when they communicate the strategy in their daily work.

Originality/value

This paper provides a critical perspective on how to manage cultural issues in changing organisations, specifically considering a Western organisation implementing lean to a subsidiary in Southeast Asia.

Citation

Frahm, J. (2016), "Effective strategy for lean implementation under a culturally diversified environment case: Danish subsidiary in Indonesia", The TQM Journal, Vol. 28 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-02-2014-0022