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Lean habits

Author

Listed:
  • Kurt Hozak
  • Eric O. Olsen

Abstract

This conceptual paper develops insights about how organisations can more effectively use lean to achieve operational excellence by forming and applying habits in the manner of the lean exemplar, Toyota. It synthesises the psychological literature from the best-selling book The Power of Habit (Duhigg, 2012) with leading research about Toyota's operations. Our exploratory study shows how Toyota combines cues, routines, and rewards into habit loops that are culturally ingrained. Toyota uses keystone habits for coaching, willpower, and improvement to support and drive other habits and operationalise its fundamental principles. These people-focused keystone habits capture the essence of lean and enable attainment of the two pillars of the Toyota Way: continuous improvement and respect for people. The keystone habits facilitate lean tools (e.g., kanban) being used for improvement in addition to their overt purposes and give employees distinctive capabilities to persist and adapt.

Suggested Citation

  • Kurt Hozak & Eric O. Olsen, 2019. "Lean habits," International Journal of Business Excellence, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 19(3), pages 305-322.
  • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbexc:v:19:y:2019:i:3:p:305-322
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