Lean Processes Case Study
0102-810 Week 1 Assignment 1.2
1. What perspectives of organizational effectiveness best describe the application of lean management practices? Describe how specific elements of that perspective relate to the interventions described in the case study.
The case study in question shows many benefits of hospitals around the world adapting to lean management practices. Essentially they are looking to cut waste, and provide the most efficient care possible. The first perspective of organizational effectiveness the hospitals are utilizing is an organizational learning perspective. The hospitals have identified in their studies that several sources of capital influence their effectiveness. Specifically, human and structural capitals are being utilized to benefit the organization. “Lean works because it is based on doctors, nurses, and other staff leading the process and telling us what adds value and what doesn’t. They are the ones who know.” (McShane (2012). Organizational Behavior: Case Study 1.1. McGraw-Hill). Here, an emphasis is placed on human capital, and the knowledge, experience, and know-how hospital employees bring to the process. By bringing these individuals into the decision making process who have their hands in the work day in and day out, the outcome will be a more efficient, and smoothly running operation as evidenced by the case study. Building on the human capital used, the hospitals are also using a high performance work practice perspective. The hospital is packaging together the best use of their organizational practices to create a competitive edge. Employee involvement is key, and has strengthened motivation and improved overall decision-making. By imploring all employees to have a say in how their organization is run, the end product is greater than the sum of its parts. Lastly, I see the lean process using portions of the open system perspective. In many of the hospitals cited, a deep look at how their internal systems were being used was
1. What perspectives of organizational effectiveness best describe the application of lean management practices? Describe how specific elements of that perspective relate to the interventions described in the case study.
The case study in question shows many benefits of hospitals around the world adapting to lean management practices. Essentially they are looking to cut waste, and provide the most efficient care possible. The first perspective of organizational effectiveness the hospitals are utilizing is an organizational learning perspective. The hospitals have identified in their studies that several sources of capital influence their effectiveness. Specifically, human and structural capitals are being utilized to benefit the organization. “Lean works because it is based on doctors, nurses, and other staff leading the process and telling us what adds value and what doesn’t. They are the ones who know.” (McShane (2012). Organizational Behavior: Case Study 1.1. McGraw-Hill). Here, an emphasis is placed on human capital, and the knowledge, experience, and know-how hospital employees bring to the process. By bringing these individuals into the decision making process who have their hands in the work day in and day out, the outcome will be a more efficient, and smoothly running operation as evidenced by the case study. Building on the human capital used, the hospitals are also using a high performance work practice perspective. The hospital is packaging together the best use of their organizational practices to create a competitive edge. Employee involvement is key, and has strengthened motivation and improved overall decision-making. By imploring all employees to have a say in how their organization is run, the end product is greater than the sum of its parts. Lastly, I see the lean process using portions of the open system perspective. In many of the hospitals cited, a deep look at how their internal systems were being used was