Learning organisation and human resources management practices: an exploratory research in medium-sized enterprises undergoing a lean implementation

Abstract

Despite the fact that Lean Manufacturing (LM) implementation has been widely discussed in the literature, a reduced number of works focus on medium-sized enterprises (MEs). Such gap becomes more evident when searching for works exploring the dimensions of learning organisation (DLO) that surround LM implementation in MEs. This paper aims at assessing DLO maturity and the importance of human resources management (HRM) practices in MEs that are starting LM implementation. We verify the applicability of a method for assessing maturity levels of DLO and HRM practices in seven different MEs. The method was originally conceived for large enterprises well advanced in the lean implementation process; it combines concepts of HRM and organisational learning with lean implementation roadmaps. Adapting the method for application in MEs allows such companies to anticipate and minimise organisational learning problems by conducting appropriate HRM practices, leading to a more effective LM implementation. We conclude that the method is a suitable diagnostic tool for MEs, indicating which phases of the lean roadmap are better prepared to be implemented.