Leading with Lean: A Review of Literature on Lean Leadership

Abstract

Waste is a deterrent to the organisation’s growth in many forms. Lean leadership is a managerial philosophy that discourages any form of waste and strives to achieve zero waste in a systematic way. However, the scope and operation of lean leadership are way more than only waste reduction. The adaptation, execution and implementation of lean philosophy depend on the lean leadership. A lean leader establishes a course of action and increases organisational capacity to address problems at their source (Byrne & Womack, 2013). Lean leadership encompasses certain characteristics, values, and behaviours that contribute to leading the followers and ensuring desired performance for the organisation as a whole. This study attempts to understand the competencies, characteristics, values, behaviours and principles of lean leadership across the organisations. It aims to examine and evaluate the existing body of literature, identify key themes, theories and gaps, and provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge on lean leadership. The study adopts a desk research approach and conducts a critical analysis of the available literature on lean leadership to formulate research questions, and objectives and gather necessary information. By synthesising and analysing existing research, theories and empirical evidence, this study offers understandings into the characteristics, behaviours, values of lean leadership on various organisational outcomes. The study finds that lean leadership displays a distinct set of values, behaviour and principles. It provides individuals with valuable tools, methodologies and insights to drive efficiency, engage employees, improve customer satisfaction,and achieve sustainable success in today’s dynamic and competitive business environment. The study also asserts that lean leadership evolves within the framework of transformational leadership. The results of this study will supplement the industry and existing knowledge base by providing a wider comprehension of lean leadership in a generalised form.

Keywords: Lean, Lean Leadership, Leadership Values, Leadership Behaviours, Leadership Competencies

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