Social sustainability and human-centered lean practices in modular and off-site construction

This paper investigates how Lean Management principles influence social sustainability and human-centered practices in Modular and Off-Site Construction (MOC), highlighting both positive and context-dependent interactions. Using a mixed-method approach combining systematic literature review, NVivo-assisted coding, expert interviews, and quantitative validation, the study examines key social dimensions including workforce well-being, communication, inclusivity, safety, and working conditions. Quantitative results (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.944; Mean Score = 4.11) confirm the significance of the social dimension within Lean–Sustainability integration. Findings indicate that Lean principles such as Respect for People and Continuous Improvement foster collaboration, empowerment, and safety culture, while practices such as Just-in-Time may introduce trade-offs if not adapted to modular workflows. The results are synthesized into a conceptual, expert-validated framework, operationalized through a dual-impact analytical matrix capturing positive, negative, and context-dependent interactions. The study highlights the importance of context-sensitive Lean implementation and provides practical guidance for balancing efficiency and workforce well-being in industrialized construction environments.