Exploring the role of human factors in lean management

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 339-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Gaiardelli ◽  
Barbara Resta ◽  
Stefano Dotti
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Job Characteristics ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
Physical Work Environment

Purpose Although lean popularity is rapidly growing, its implementation is far from problem-free and companies may experience difficulties in sustaining long-term success. On this premises, the purpose of this paper is to understand to what extent human factors, affected by the implementation of both hard (defined as technical and analytical tools) and soft (concerning people and relations) lean practices, play a key role in achieving long-term superior performance. Design/methodology/approach The analysis of the relationships between lean practices implementation, human factors and operational performance is carried out in a single exploratory case study. A retrospective approach is adopted to trace the changes of human and operational performance before, during and after the introduction of lean management (LM) implementation. In particular, a mixed method concurrent design merging results of a qualitative analysis with data collected from a survey is selected to provide a more realistic benefit in the exploration of the proposed research questions. Findings The results show a short-term direct relationship between the implementation of lean practices (hard and soft) and physical work environment and job characteristics, directly connected to operational outcome. In the long term, operational performance is influenced by employee behaviour outcome and conditioned by physical work environment and job characteristics with the mediating effect of individual characteristics. Practical implications The proposed model supports the building of a roadmap for LM implementation, taking into account the role of the human factors to achieve superior operational performance. Moreover, it helps managers to implement a monitoring system to check how social and technical components of a LM system evolve over time. Finally, it supports the definition of specific training programs, tailored for specific workers’ types. Originality/value This paper extends theory in LM, highlighting how hard and soft lean practices have to interact to enable a successful LM implementation.

scholarly journals Physical work environment risk factors for long term sickness absence: prospective findings among a cohort of 5357 employees in Denmark

BMJ ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 332 (7539) ◽  
pp. 449-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Lund ◽  
Merete Labriola ◽  
Karl Bang Christensen ◽  
Ute Bültmann ◽  
Ebbe Villadsen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Sickness Absence ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Physical Work Environment

Perceived influence of work relationship, work load and physical work environment on job satisfaction of librarians in South-West, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 377-398
Author(s):  
Stella Ngozi Anasi
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Work Load ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Management ◽  
South West ◽  
Physical Work Environment ◽  
Work Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the composite influence of perceived work relationship, work load and physical work environment on the job satisfaction of librarians in South-West, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a descriptive survey design. A multi-stage sampling technique was used for this study. The instrument used for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire, and a total of 102 academic librarians responded to the questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Findings The results indicate that there is a significant linear relationship among work relationship, workload, work environment and job satisfaction. Among the variables examined, workload is not a statistically significant predictor of the job satisfaction of librarians, but work relationship and work environment have a statistically significant relative effect on the job satisfaction of librarians. Research limitations/implications Further studies should evaluate the causal link between work relationships, work load and work environment on job satisfaction using randomized control. Practical implications The important result in this study is that there is a significant linear relationship among work relationship, workload, work environment and job satisfaction; therefore, if these factors are adequately taken care of, there will be increased employee motivation, reduced staff turnover and increased job satisfaction among librarians in Nigerian universities. The university library management could take advantage of workshops and seminars on how to build and maintain work relationship and work environment (hygiene factors) to improve employees’ job satisfaction. The seminars and workshop will increase the knowledge of university library management on how to develop coherent friendly co-workers policy practices and workload policy practices to enhance the job satisfaction of librarians in public universities in Nigeria. Librarians should be assigned tasks that are moderately demanding because both overload and under load could lead to job dissatisfaction. Regarding research, this study offered a basis for a continuing debate on work relationship, organizational relationships, work environment, work load and job satisfaction. Originality/value Despite the growing global concern for workers well-being in organizations, not much attention has been given to the influence of workplace relationship, work load and work environment on the job satisfaction of librarians in Nigeria. Thus, the results of this research contribute to the body of knowledge regarding job satisfaction among librarians and provide significant evidence on the influence of work relationship, work load and work environment on the job satisfaction of librarians.

The effect of physical work environment on creativity among artists’ residencies

Facilities ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghasem Motalebi ◽  
Avishan Parvaneh
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Personal Space ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Physical Work Environment

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the physical environment characteristics on artists’ creativity. Design/methodology/approach Based on mixed-method of research the data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with 40 artists. The parameters of the physical environment characteristics included light, object design, color, window, the possibility of communication, flexibility and the existence of personal space. Findings The effect of these factors used simply and naturally on artists’ creativity was evaluated to be positive. It was found that if these factors were not present and only a simple, non-inspiring space was designed, the results would be simpler and less creative. It was suggested that designers need to design a space according to the artists’ individual and social needs and their perceptions. Research limitations/implications This study is mostly limited to Iranian artists; however, it is a starting point for broader implications. Originality/value The main contribution of this research is providing environmental characteristics, which can assist in creating an appropriate workspace for artists.

Hospital employees’ perceptions of circadian lighting: a pharmacy department case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 422-437
Author(s):  
Lindsay J. McCunn ◽  
Jeremy Wright
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Psychosocial Variables ◽  
Affective Organizational Commitment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Work Environment

Purpose An interdisciplinary body of literature has focused on the role of lighting in mitigating patient and employee stress and error-producing conditions in hospital settings. The purpose of this study is to explore how a new circadian lighting system installed in a small pharmacy unit with no penetration of natural light is experienced by staff. Psychosocial variables, such as affective organizational commitment, perceived productivity, well-being, and satisfaction with the physical work environment, were measured to further a line of inquiry that may help facilities managers and hospital administrators make optimal choices when purchasing lighting and commissioning retrofits. Design/methodology/approach Post-occupancy evaluation; mixed methods survey design. Findings While affective organizational commitment, perceived productivity, well-being and satisfaction with the physical work environment were experienced, to some extent, by employees, low average responses about whether the setting had improved, as the circadian lighting had been installed suggest that the retrofit did not affect them as positively as expected. Counter to the intention of the installation, participants did not perceive the circadian lighting as having strongly improved their levels of stress, concentration, mood or fatigue at work. Originality/value More research on simulated daylighting should be done to optimize occupant responses to lighting retrofits in hospitals. This case study supports recommendations to measure relevant psychosocial variables before and after a design change. Similarly, sized units within hospitals and health care facilities that possess analogous dimensions and design constraints concerning a lack of daylight penetration will benefit from this study’s mixed methods, results and interpretations.

Police officers’ perceptions of the challenges involved in Internet Child Exploitation investigation

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 543-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martine B. Powell ◽  
Peter Cassematis ◽  
Mairi S. Benson ◽  
Stephen Smallbone ◽  
Richard Wortley
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Child Exploitation ◽  
Physical Work Environment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore police officers’ perceptions of the challenges and work stressors of working in Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) investigation. Design/methodology/approach – Participants were a heterogeneous sample of 32 ICE investigators across nine Australian jurisdictions. Officers’ perceptions of ICE work were elicited via individual, open-ended, anonymous, telephone interviews, which focused on both the nature and impact of work-related stressors and challenges. Findings – Thematic analysis revealed that viewing ICE material was not perceived to be a major stressor or particularly traumatic facet of ICE investigation. Rather, the challenges related to three areas; work relationships, workload and resources and the physical environment. Participants also suggested some improvements to their work environment which could reduce the impact of these challenges. Practical implications – The stressors identified by ICE investigators in this study place physical, psychological and social restrictions on investigative capacity. Modifications to the workplace environment that facilitate more effective professional collaboration, reduce workload and enhance investigator efficiency and functionality of the physical work environment would likely reduce the potential for harm associated with ICE investigation and improve ICE investigators’ capacity to perform their role. Originality/value – This is the first study to use a broad research framework to examine the full range of stressors that ICE investigators face (both organisational and operational). The findings are important for developing comprehensive theories regarding workplace traumatisation as well as holistic intervention models to assist the prevention and management of stress related to ICE investigation.

scholarly journals Differences in call centre agents’ perception of their job characteristics, physical work environment and wellbeing

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noleen Miller ◽  
Rozenda Hendrickse
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Job Characteristics ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Call Centre ◽  
Call Centres ◽  
Physical Work Environment ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Female Call

Orientation: job characteristics and physical work environment of call centres have an impact on the wellbeing of call centre agents. Research purpose: the aim of this study is to determine whether there are differences in male and female call centre agents’ perception of their job characteristics, physical work environment and wellbeing. The study also aims to investigate whether there is a significant relationship between the wellbeing problems encountered by call centre agents and the job characteristics and physical work environment factors. Motivation for the study: wellbeing in call centres is a concern and therefore necessitates a study in understanding the factors of the work environment that negatively impact the wellbeing of call centre agents. Research design, approach and method: a quantitative research approach was employed to gather the data for the study, utilizing a structured questionnaire. The sample (n = 275) consisted of call centre agents from four companies situated in the Cape Metropole. Main findings: call centre agents had the same perceptions of their job characterises. Differences in perception were found with the physical work environment and wellbeing. Significant relationships between job characteristics, physical work environment and wellbeing were found. Contribution/value-add: the study contributes to the literature and knowledge of the workplace environment and wellbeing of call centre agents

Designing for Well-Being: The Role of the Physical Work Environment

2010 ◽  
pp. 267-287
Author(s):  
Claudia Steinke ◽  
Rei Kurosawa ◽  
Ali Dastmalchian
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Physical Work Environment
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