ǂa ǂsystematic literature review
Viktorija Knapić (Author), Borut Rusjan (Author), Katerina Jovanovska (Author)

Abstract

Purpose - Existing research evidence shows a fragmented understanding of the roles of first-line employees (FLEs) as essential factors for successful lean implementation in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), provoking recent calls for additional research on the identification of enablers and barriers for lean acceptance among workers. Therefore, this paper aims to identify related enablers and barriers to lean implementation among FLEs and determine future research avenues for improving the understanding of lean methodology implementation in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach - Relying on a systematic literature review methodology, the authors aimed to synthesize and evaluate available peer-reviewed papers on the role of FLEs in lean implementation in SMEs. General descriptive and thematic analysis comprehensively depicted the selected research topic and identified the main themes within collected papers and potential future research questions. Findings - The authors identified four main themes related to FLEs’ role in lean implementation: cultural change factors, employee characteristics, management involvement and lean job design. Within each theme, the authors present a comprehensive overview of FLE-related factors and associated enablers and barriers that should be considered for a successful lean implementation in SMEs. Practical implications - The research outcomes are important to practicing managers in SMEs, helping them facilitate lean acceptance and enhance the likelihood of successful lean implementation. Originality/value - The insights from this study present building blocks in developing a lean implementation model for SMEs that considers the FLEs’ role more comprehensively.

Keywords

podjetništvo;majhna in srednja podjetja;vodenje;entrepreneurship;SMEs;leadership;

Data

Language: English
Year of publishing:
Typology: 1.02 - Review Article
Organization: UL EF - Faculty of Economics
UDC: 658
COBISS: 112112899 Link will open in a new window
ISSN: 2040-4166
Views: 161
Downloads: 54
Average score: 0 (0 votes)
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Other data

Secondary language: Slovenian
Secondary keywords: podjetništvo;mala in srednja podjetja;vodenje;
Type (COBISS): Article
Pages: str. 277-308
Volume: ǂVol. ǂ14
Issue: ǂiss. ǂ2
Chronology: 2023
DOI: 10.1108/IJLSS-08-2021-0141
ID: 15940782