Struggling with solutions; a case study of using organisation concepts

Authors: Benders, Jos¹; Slomp, Jannes²

Source: International Journal of Production Research, Volume 47, Number 18, January 2009 , pp. 5237-5243(7)

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Abstract:

Engineers contribute to the constant flow of new tools and organisation concepts. These tend to be presented as solutions to existing organisational problems. These solutions may become problems themselves, however. We present a longitudinal case of how a truck manufacturer struggled with various similar and dissimilar concepts in realising organisational changes. Whilst it may seem idiosyncratic, the company's struggles are probably typical for organisational change praxis. Reflecting on the case, we present a model to help practitioners reflect on their use of concepts and tools (thereby arguably contributing to the issue we signal).

Keywords: organisation concepts; self-managing teams; human factors; work organisation; lean manufacturing; teamwork; world class manufacturing; management fashion

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207540802070959

Affiliations: 1: Tilburg University and Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands 2: Production Systems Design Group, Faculty of Management and Organisation, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Publication date: 2009-01-01

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