Title: Impact of longer usage of lean manufacturing system (Toyotism) on employment outcomes - a study in garment manufacturing industries in India

Authors: Prageetha G. Raju; Madhuri Modekurti-Mahato

Addresses: IBS Hyderabad Dontanapally, Shankerpally Road, Hyderabad, 501203, Andhra Pradesh, India ' Usha Martin Academy, Opposite Dipatoli Cantonment, Gymkhana Club Campus, Bootimore, Ranchi, 834009, Jharkhand, India

Abstract: The present study examines the impact of lean manufacturing system (Toyotism) on two employment outcomes viz., upward feedback and on-the-job performance in garment manufacturing units in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand States in India. The review of literature reveals that shop-floor employees play a key role in the process of minimisation of waste in the lean manufacturing context since they interact with the direct operational environment. They have more ownership of the manufacturing process and have the capacity to make better improvement suggestions. Garment units that have introduced lean manufacturing system a year ago and integrated their core processes have been chosen for the study. The study reveals that there is positive relationship between upward feedback and job performance in such a way that the longer the lean manufacturing system is in operation, the higher will be its positive effect on the relationship between upward feedback and job performance.

Keywords: lean manufacturing; on-the-job performance; upward feedback; India; Toyotism; employment outcomes; garment manufacturing; garment industry; clothing industry; apparel industry; employee feedback.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2014.062233

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2014 Vol.18 No.3, pp.305 - 320

Published online: 17 Jun 2014 *

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