The missing arguments of lean construction

The emerging concept of lean construction is concerned with the application of lean thinking to the construction industry. The ideas of lean thinking seem set to dominate the UK construction industry's quest to improve quality and efficiency. However, the current debate is based on a highly selective interpretation of the available literature. The extent to which the Japanese model of lean production is applicable in Western contexts remains hotly debated. An extensive body of critical opinion equates the Japanese model of lean production with technocratic totalitarianism. Whilst the claims of productivity achievements in Japanese manufacturing transplants are impressive, the rhetoric of flexibility, quality and teamwork too often translates in practice to control, exploitation and surveillance. Furthermore, it cannot be taken for granted that any increases in productivity necessarily serve the interests of the end customer. The current agenda for the implementation of lean thinking in the UK construction industry notably ignores the extensive critical literature on lean production. In the absence of a more balanced research agenda, there is a danger that dogma rather than a balanced appraisal of the available evidence will drive construction policy.