Balancing Cognitions and Emotions to Advance Lean Corporate Programs
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates how cognitive and emotional mechanisms drive advancement in lean corporate programs, addressing a key yet underexplored factor in continuous improvement. While existing research documents lean program successes, it often overlooks the role of cognitive and emotional factors in program progression. Using a phenomenological approach, we integrate individual and plant-level data through both qualitative and quantitative methods. Focusing on a lean corporate program implemented across 22 Italian plants of a leading global carmaker, we employ a structural equation model to assess the relationships among lean organizing principles, cognitive involvement, emotional perceptions, and lean program advancement. Three key insights emerge: 1) A comprehensive application of lean organizing principles enhances employees’ cognitive involvement in lean practices; 2) Cognitive involvement is essential for advancing lean corporate programs; 3) Positive emotional states—such as pride, self-efficacy, and perceived fairness—significantly mediate the relationship between cognitive involvement and lean advancement. This study contributes to lean management literature by demonstrating that positive emotions are critical for sustaining lean progress. By bridging the knowledge-based view with behavioral theories, we provide researchers and practitioners with a nuanced understanding of the interplay between cognitive and emotional factors in advancing lean programs.
Authors: Danilo Pesce, Paolo Neirotti
Institution: Politecnico di Torino
Language: English
Subfield: Management Information Systems
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,495
OpenAlex ID: W4405935337