IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/opmare/v18y2025i1d10.1007_s12063-024-00531-y.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The role of Lean for reconciling performance paradoxes in operations and supply chains management

Author

Listed:
  • Diego A. J. Pacheco

    (School of Business and Social Science, Department of Business Development and Technology)

  • José Antonio Valle Antunes

    (University of Sinos Valley)

  • Isaac Pergher

    (Federal University of Pernambuco)

  • Mihai Vrîncuț

    (Bucharest University of Economic Studies)

Abstract

The decision-making processes in operations and supply chain management (OSCM) activities often impose tensions that challenge companies to deal with conflicting performance objectives, resulting in several operational performance paradoxes. However, despite timely concern and the substantive relevance and impact of these paradoxes, several questions remain unanswered about how operational practices, such as Lean, can assist companies in mitigating the effects of these paradoxes. This study investigated how Lean practices can assist companies in reconciling conflicting operational performance objectives in OSCM. Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed during the research, including a qualitative Delphi panel, followed by a quantitative Delphi survey with Lean experts and subsequent statistical analyses to test the hypothesis examined. Findings provide additional evidence to the theory about the role of Lean practices in reconciling conflicting performance objectives in OSCM, enabling companies to embrace contradictions against performance paradoxes. First, this study advances knowledge about the influence of the Lean bundles on operational performance objectives. Second, we show which performance objectives are most impacted by the respective Lean practices and those that are non-significant over the performance objectives more accurately. Third, a multidimensional three-level framework that is lean-oriented is drawn from the findings, assisting companies and OSCM decision-makers in managing operational performance tensions. Fourth, the study informs companies to make more accurate predictions when examining their current process improvement programs and find alternatives to address operational performance tensions. This article offers original insights that help to bridge the theory and practice, improving our understanding of the role of Lean in subsidy decisions against contradictory performance objectives in OSCM. Finally, the study contributes to decision-making in OSCM, providing detailed and actionable insights to managers to cope with performance paradoxes.

Suggested Citation

  • Diego A. J. Pacheco & José Antonio Valle Antunes & Isaac Pergher & Mihai Vrîncuț, 2025. "The role of Lean for reconciling performance paradoxes in operations and supply chains management," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 144-163, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:opmare:v:18:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12063-024-00531-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s12063-024-00531-y
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12063-024-00531-y
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s12063-024-00531-y?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Dieste, Marcos & Sauer, Philipp C. & Orzes, Guido, 2022. "Organizational tensions in industry 4.0 implementation: A paradox theory approach," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 251(C).
    2. Alkhoraif, Abdullah & Rashid, Hamad & McLaughlin, Patrick, 2019. "Lean implementation in small and medium enterprises: Literature review," Operations Research Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 6(C).
    3. Sachin B. Modi & David E. Cantor, 2021. "How Coopetition Influences Environmental Performance: Role of Financial Slack, Leverage, and Leanness," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 30(7), pages 2046-2068, July.
    4. Lee, Neil Chueh-An, 2021. "Reconciling integration and reconfiguration management approaches in the supply chain," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
    5. Howard Hao‐Chun Chuang & Rogelio Oliva & Gregory R. Heim, 2019. "Examining the Link between Retailer Inventory Leanness and Operational Efficiency: Moderating Roles of Firm Size and Demand Uncertainty," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 28(9), pages 2338-2364, September.
    6. Bortolotti, Thomas & Boscari, Stefania & Danese, Pamela, 2015. "Successful lean implementation: Organizational culture and soft lean practices," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 182-201.
    7. Morris A. Cohen & Panos Kouvelis, 2021. "Revisit of AAA Excellence of Global Value Chains: Robustness, Resilience, and Realignment," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 30(3), pages 633-643, March.
    8. Assadej Vanichchinchai, 2023. "Contextual factors on Toyota Way and Agile Manufacturing: an empirical investigation," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 1290-1301, September.
    9. Christian L. Rossetti & Donald P. Warsing & Barbara B. Flynn & Cecil C. Bozarth, 2023. "Complex and lean or lean and complex? The role of supply chain complexity in lean production," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 1382-1412, September.
    10. Ng, Stephen C.H. & Rungtusanatham, Johnny M. & Zhao, Xiande & Lee, T.S., 2015. "Examining process management via the lens of exploitation and exploration: Reconceptualization and scale development," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 1-15.
    11. Marc Dorval & Marie-Hélène Jobin & Nadia Benomar, 2019. "Lean culture: a comprehensive systematic literature review," International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 68(5), pages 920-937, March.
    12. Florian Magnani & Valentina Carbone & Valérie Moatti, 2019. "The human dimension of lean: a literature review," Post-Print hal-03349359, HAL.
    13. Yang, Ma Ga (Mark) & Hong, Paul & Modi, Sachin B., 2011. "Impact of lean manufacturing and environmental management on business performance: An empirical study of manufacturing firms," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 129(2), pages 251-261, February.
    14. Kevin B. Hendricks & Vinod R. Singhal, 2001. "The Long-Run Stock Price Performance of Firms with Effective TQM Programs," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 47(3), pages 359-368, March.
    15. Sahi, Gurjeet Kaur & Gupta, Mahesh C. & Cheng, T.C.E. & Mantok, Stanzin, 2021. "Mitigating the tension in pursuit of operational ambidexterity: The roles of knowledge development and bricolage," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).
    16. Naga Vamsi Krishna Jasti & Rambabu Kodali, 2015. "Lean production: literature review and trends," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(3), pages 867-885, February.
    17. Khanchanapong, Teerasak & Prajogo, Daniel & Sohal, Amrik S. & Cooper, Brian K. & Yeung, Andy C.L. & Cheng, T.C.E., 2014. "The unique and complementary effects of manufacturing technologies and lean practices on manufacturing operational performance," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 191-203.
    18. Chavez, Roberto & Yu, Wantao & Jacobs, Mark & Fynes, Brian & Wiengarten, Frank & Lecuna, Antonio, 2015. "Internal lean practices and performance: The role of technological turbulence," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 157-171.
    19. Jayanth Jayaram & S. Vickery & C. Droge, 2008. "Relationship building, lean strategy and firm performance: an exploratory study in the automotive supplier industry," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(20), pages 5633-5649, January.
    20. White, Richard E. & Prybutok, Victor, 2001. "The relationship between JIT practices and type of production system," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 113-124, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Genc, Talat S. & De Giovanni, Pietro, 2020. "Closed-loop supply chain games with innovation-led lean programs and sustainability," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 219(C), pages 440-456.
    2. Marodin, Giuliano & Frank, Alejandro Germán & Tortorella, Guilherme Luz & Netland, Torbjørn, 2018. "Lean product development and lean manufacturing: Testing moderation effects," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 301-310.
    3. Falah Abu & Hamed Gholami & Norhayati Zakuan & Muhamad Zameri Mat Saman & Dalia Streimikiene & Justas Streimikis, 2020. "The Influence of Contextual Factors on the Implementation of Lean Practices: An Analysis of Furniture Industries," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 22(55), pages 867-867, August.
    4. Lin Wu & Nachiappan Subramanian & Angappa Gunasekaran & Muhammad Dan‐Asabe Abdulrahman & Kulwant Singh Pawar & Des Doran, 2018. "A two‐dimensional, two‐level framework for achieving corporate sustainable development: Assessing the return on sustainability initiatives," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(8), pages 1117-1130, December.
    5. Abreu-Ledón, René & Luján-García, Darkys E. & Garrido-Vega, Pedro & Escobar-Pérez, Bernabé, 2018. "A meta-analytic study of the impact of Lean Production on business performance," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 83-102.
    6. Narayanamurthy, Gopalakrishnan & Gurumurthy, Anand & Subramanian, Nachiappan & Moser, Roger, 2018. "Assessing the readiness to implement lean in healthcare institutions – A case study," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 123-142.
    7. Godinho Filho, Moacir & Marchesini, Antonio Gilberto & Riezebos, Jan & Vandaele, Nico & Ganga, Gilberto Miller Devós, 2017. "The application of Quick Response Manufacturing practices in Brazil, Europe, and the USA: An exploratory study," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 437-448.
    8. Marcel F. Assen, 2018. "The moderating effect of management behavior for Lean and process improvement," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, June.
    9. Roberto Chavez & Wantao Yu & Muhammad Shakeel Sadiq Jajja & Antonio Lecuna & Brian Fynes, 2020. "Can entrepreneurial orientation improve sustainable development through leveraging internal lean practices?," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(6), pages 2211-2225, September.
    10. Ghobadian, Abby & Talavera, Irene & Bhattacharya, Arijit & Kumar, Vikas & Garza-Reyes, Jose Arturo & O'Regan, Nicholas, 2020. "Examining legitimatisation of additive manufacturing in the interplay between innovation, lean manufacturing and sustainability," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 219(C), pages 457-468.
    11. Jain, Vineet & Raj, Tilak, 2016. "Modeling and analysis of FMS performance variables by ISM, SEM and GTMA approach," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 171(P1), pages 84-96.
    12. Rohit Kumar Singh & Sachin Modgil, 2023. "Assessment of Lean Supply Chain Practices in Indian Automotive Industry," Global Business Review, International Management Institute, vol. 24(1), pages 68-105, February.
    13. Hardcopf, Rick & Liu, Gensheng (Jason) & Shah, Rachna, 2021. "Lean production and operational performance: The influence of organizational culture," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    14. Antonio Sartal & Josep Llach & Fernando León-Mateos, 2022. "“Do technologies really affect that much? exploring the potential of several industry 4.0 technologies in today’s lean manufacturing shop floors”," Operational Research, Springer, vol. 22(5), pages 6075-6106, November.
    15. De Giovanni, Pietro & Cariola, Alfio, 2021. "Process innovation through industry 4.0 technologies, lean practices and green supply chains," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    16. Karishma M. Qureshi & Bhavesh G. Mewada & Sumeet Kaur & Mohamed Rafik Noor Mohamed Qureshi, 2023. "Assessing Lean 4.0 for Industry 4.0 Readiness Using PLS-SEM towards Sustainable Manufacturing Supply Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-19, February.
    17. Colombari, Ruggero & Neirotti, Paolo & Berbegal-Mirabent, Jasmina, 2024. "Disentangling the socio-technical impacts of digitalization: What changes for shop-floor decision-makers?," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 276(C).
    18. Amal Benkarim & Daniel Imbeau, 2022. "Investigating the Implementation of Toyota’s Human Resources Management Practices in the Aerospace Industry," Merits, MDPI, vol. 2(3), pages 1-20, July.
    19. Ping-Kuo Chen & Itziar Lujan-Blanco & Jordi Fortuny-Santos & Patxi Ruiz-de-Arbulo-López, 2020. "Lean Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability: The Effects of Employee Involvement, Stakeholder Pressure and ISO 14001," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-19, September.
    20. Renu Agarwal & Christopher Bajada & Paul James Brown & Roy Green, 2021. "People Management Practices that Underpin Lean Management Outcomes," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 22(2), pages 75-94, June.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:opmare:v:18:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12063-024-00531-y. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.