Misconceptions of Lean: Why Implementation Fails

Successful implementation of lean strategies is more than an overall acceptance of ideology, tools and practices; it is about acceptance of the changing culture. Culture drives implementation through the adoption of best practice principles providing the organisations with a sense of achievability. To date research in the field has provided companies with a false sense of implementation security; promoting many social, financial and cultural benefits without the acknowledgement of the overall challenge – knowledge. Utilising the action research method this paper explores the concept of knowledge and is application in lean implementation within a leading Australian construction company. The paper highlights a need for the streamlining of lean knowledge at the core of implementation strategizing. The paper proposes that developing an awareness of knowledge in a theoretical context will assist in challenging cultural behaviours within the practical application.