Title: Employee involvement practices in lean manufacturing: a multi-method approach

Authors: Nayara Cardoso de Medeiros; Moacir Godinho Filho; Mario Henrique Bueno Moreira Callefi; Gilberto Miller Devós Ganga

Addresses: Centre of Technology, Graduation of Production Engineering, Federal University of Piauí, Av. Universitária, s/n – Ininga, Teresina, PI, 64049-550, Brazil; Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luís Road, s/n, São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil ' Department of Supply Chain Management and Decision Sciences, EM Normandie Business School, Metis Lab, 20 Quai Frissard, 76600 Le Havre, France; Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luís Road, s/n, São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil ' Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Exact and Technology Sciences Centre, Production Engineering Department, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luís Road, s/n, Km. 235, 13565-905, P.O. Box 676, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil ' Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luís Road, s/n, São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil

Abstract: This research aims to identify the primary practices that drive employee involvement efforts in lean manufacturing. We adopted a multi-method study methodology based on two methodological phases. First, we identified a preliminary listing of practices by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR). Second, this list has been validated by seven experts. The main result is a list of 15 employee involvement practices in lean manufacturing. Considering the characteristics of these practices, they were classified into three categories: motivation practices, human resource management (HRM) practices, and operational practices. The most referenced practices in the literature are those connected to motivational elements, namely group decision-making; education programs, training, and personal development; promoting empowerment and autonomy to employees; and management support. The results of this study can aid managers who want to establish programs for improving employee involvement in lean systems to build a more collaborative environment.

Keywords: employee involvement; lean manufacturing; lean implementation; systematic literature review; SLR; human resource management; HRM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2025.144754

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2025 Vol.50 No.3, pp.330 - 351

Received: 29 Sep 2022
Accepted: 25 Jan 2023
Published online: 03 Mar 2025 *

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