The relationship between investments in lean practices and operational performance: Exploring the moderating effects of operational intellectual capital

George Onofrei, Jasna Prester, Brian Fynes, Paul Humphreys, Frank Wiengarten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: Prior research has shown that operational intellectual capital (OIC) and investments in lean practices (ILP) lead to better operational performance. However, there have been no empirical studies on the synergetic effects between OIC components and ILP. More specifically, the question – can the efficacy of ILP be increased through OIC? – has not been studied. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to report the empirical results of potential synergetic effects between OIC, as a knowledge-based resource, and ILP. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical data used for this study were drawn from the fifth round of the Global Manufacturing Research Group survey project (with data collected from 528 manufacturing plants). The hypotheses are empirically tested using three ordinary least square (OLS) models. Findings: The authors’ findings highlight the importance of leveraging a system of complementary knowledge-based resources (OIC dimensions) and addresses the need for the reformulation of lean theory in terms of the emergent knowledge-based view of the firm. The results facilitate greater understanding of the complex relationship between ILP and operational performance. Building on the contribution of Menor et al. (2007), the authors argue that OIC represents a strategic knowledge-based resource that is valuable, hard to imitate or substitute and, when leveraged effectively, generates superior operational and competitive advantage. Practical implications: From a managerial standpoint, this study provides guidelines for managers on how to leverage OIC to enhance the efficacy of ILP. The authors argue that firms consider investing in OIC to increase the return from ILP, which, in turn, will enhance their operational performance and provide competitive advantage. The authors findings provide strong evidence of the importance of human, social and structural capital to enhance the efficacy of ILP. Originality/value: This is the first research paper that extends the application of the intellectual capital theory in lean literature, and argues that the OIC contributes to the efficacy of ILP. The analysis facilitates greater understanding of the complex relationship between OIC dimensions, ILP and operational performance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)406-428
Number of pages23
JournalInternational Journal of Operations and Production Management
Volume39
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Apr 2019

Keywords

  • Empirical research
  • Investments in lean practices
  • Lean production
  • Operational intellectual capital
  • Operational performance

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The relationship between investments in lean practices and operational performance: Exploring the moderating effects of operational intellectual capital'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this