Critical Factors for the Effective Implementation of the 5S Method in a Manufacturing Company: A Network Thinking Methodology Approach

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present the results in the identification of the factors that influence the effective use of the 5S method in the area of production in a manufacturing company. The critical factors identified based on the network thinking methodology were analysed. The study tried to show that the critical factors strongly influence other elements, but at the same time are subject to strong influences themselves. Design/Methodology/Approach: This article uses triangulation of methods. First, the network thinking methodology was used, which made it possible to look at the problem from different perspectives, analyse the factors occurring in the network, and determine the types and strength of interactions of the parts constituting the whole. This methodology was supplemented with an in-depth individual interview, which was conducted with people responsible for production in a selected production company in the furniture industry. The whole was complemented by two surveys conducted using the CAWI method among production employees of the same company. The selection of the sample was random. Findings: The results show how the selected critical factors (method of implementing the 5S method, employee participation and effectiveness of the 5S method) influence the effective implementation of the 5S method in the surveyed manufacturing company. Practical implications: 5S practices are the first step in improvement, i.e., full implementation of a lean production system in an enterprise. They create new standards of staff conduct and foundations for implementing further tools. They lead to achieving the long-term goal of increasing efficiency and thus increasing the value of the enterprise. Based on the research conducted, critical factors contributing to the effective implementation of the 5S method in a manufacturing company were indicated. Originality /Value: The presented results complement extensive research conducted around the world on the effective implementation of the 5S method in the area of production in the enterprise. The study aimed to fill the research gap in this area.