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Creative tension in a lean work environment: Implications for logistics firms and workers

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  • de Haan, J.
  • Naus, F.
  • Overboom, M.

Abstract

In this paper we use the concept of “creative tension” from the lean production philosophy to reconcile the need for added value and cost control in logistics. Due to thin profit margins, a managerial orientation on logistics employees as a source of costs rather than a source of added value prevails. However, to foster employee well-being and organizational effectiveness, a fit is needed between the job characteristics influenced by the need for process control, and workers' need for autonomy and creativity in their jobs. The fit hypothesis was tested across two logistics service providers. Results from both studies indicated that challenging and enabling workers to creatively use their talents and skills in daily work will most likely lead to positive results.

Suggested Citation

  • de Haan, J. & Naus, F. & Overboom, M., 2012. "Creative tension in a lean work environment: Implications for logistics firms and workers," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 137(1), pages 157-164.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:137:y:2012:i:1:p:157-164
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2011.11.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Warnecke, H. J. & Huser, M., 1995. "Lean production," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 41(1-3), pages 37-43, October.
    2. de Haan, Job & Yamamoto, Masaru & Lovink, Gerben, 2001. "Production planning in Japan: rediscovering lost experiences or new insights?," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(1-3), pages 101-109, May.
    3. Farris, Jennifer A. & Van Aken, Eileen M. & Doolen, Toni L. & Worley, June, 2009. "Critical success factors for human resource outcomes in Kaizen events: An empirical study," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 117(1), pages 42-65, January.
    4. Bullinger, Hans-Jorg & Fremerey, F. & Fuhrberg-Baumann, J., 1995. "Innovative production structures -- Precondition for a customer-orientated production management," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 41(1-3), pages 15-22, October.
    5. de Haan, Job & Yamamoto, Masaru, 1999. "Zero inventory management: facts or fiction? Lessons from Japan," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 59(1-3), pages 65-75, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Natalya V. Kireeva & Evgenia S. Zambrzhitskaya & Elena A. Makarova, 2021. "Graph models for evaluating production capacities of enterprises," Journal of New Economy, Ural State University of Economics, vol. 22(2), pages 134-154, July.
    2. Mulugeta Girma Dibiku, 2023. "Kaizen and Productivity: The Mediating Effect of the Customer-supplier Relationship Using Smart-PLS," Istanbul Management Journal, Istanbul University Business School, vol. 0(94), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Kull, Thomas J. & Yan, Tingting & Liu, Zhongzhi & Wacker, John G., 2014. "The moderation of lean manufacturing effectiveness by dimensions of national culture: Testing practice-culture congruence hypotheses," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 1-12.
    4. Wang, Xuping & Ruan, Junhu & Shi, Yan, 2012. "A recovery model for combinational disruptions in logistics delivery: Considering the real-world participators," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 140(1), pages 508-520.
    5. Huong Thu Pham, 2017. "Investigating the Impact of Lean Management on Innovation in Vietnamese SMEs," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 10(11), pages 1-9, November.

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