LEAN TEAMS AND BEHAVIORAL DYNAMICS: UNDERSTANDING THE LINK

Elnaz Asadian, Robert M. Leicht

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The emphasis of lean thinking on eliminating waste and improving production makes it easy to relate to the construction domain to have more successful projects. Several tools and techniques have been introduced to simplify lean adoption. However, the human side of lean has not yet seen the emphasis it deserves. Interdisciplinary teams are the implementers of lean practices within projects. Therefore, this study seeks to shed light on the nature of lean teams within construction projects. The human dynamics are mapped to the lean principles to investigate the link between these constructs and lean initiatives implementation. To support the alignment of team enablers with lean principles, eight constructs from the A_B_C framework of team psychology have been identified through the literature search, including openness, trust and psychological safety, cohesion, team viability, collaboration and communication, conflict, information sharing, and knowledge exchange. The findings highlight that organizations should consider the behavioral side of lean in a team context if they want to realize the full benefits of lean transformation. By emphasizing the importance of lean foundations within the organizational culture and team member behavior, construction teams will be able to develop the link necessary between team members' interactions and lean principles adoption.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIGLC 2021 - 29th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction - Lean Construction in Crisis Times
Subtitle of host publicationResponding to the Post-Pandemic AEC Industry Challenges
EditorsLuis Fernando Alarcon, Vicente A. Gonzalez, Danny Murguia, Xavier Brioso
PublisherDepartment of Engineering, Civil Engineering Division, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru
Pages393-402
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9786124802546
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Event29th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 2021 - Lima, Peru
Duration: Jul 14 2021Jul 17 2021

Publication series

NameIGLC 2021 - 29th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction - Lean Construction in Crisis Times: Responding to the Post-Pandemic AEC Industry Challenges

Conference

Conference29th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 2021
Country/TerritoryPeru
CityLima
Period7/14/217/17/21

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'LEAN TEAMS AND BEHAVIORAL DYNAMICS: UNDERSTANDING THE LINK'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this