Lean higher education in Moroccan public universities: employees’ attitude to change

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify factors which lead to resistance to change and those which have a positive effect on employees’ attitude towards change with Lean in higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach Data is gathered from the responses of 723 administrative and technical staff in five public universities in Morocco to a questionnaire survey. Findings The results show that individual, group and organizational factors all have an effect on employees’ attitude to change with individual factors being the most important particularly curiosity and working conditions. Practical implications When introducing the Lean initiative attention should be given to training and the development of effective communication strategies to promote success. Originality/value This paper has an original approach by focusing on the preparation for organizational change and identifying factors which affect motivation for and resistance to change.