Interplay of lean thinking and social dynamics in construction

Vicente A. González, Rafael Sacks, Ignacio Pavez, Mani Poshdar, Lola Ben Alon, Vitaly Priven

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Production, commercial, technical, organizational and social aspects must be managed simultaneously for a construction project to be successfully delivered. However, most management approaches in construction are technically-oriented methodologies that largely neglect central social aspects related to people's behaviour. Lean construction research has likewise focused more on technical and commercial aspects than on social aspects. Recent research in the domain has aroused interest in various social aspects, such as the language-Action-perspective, people development, culture and transformation, and integral theory. Yet little research has been pursued to understand the interactions between lean construction thinking and the social dynamics within construction project organizations. To begin to bridge this gap, the latent synergy and feedback loops between lean construction practices and social dynamics variables such as trust, goal setting and power distance in construction are discussed in this paper. The interplay between lean construction tools and the social dynamics variables is illustrated through an example based on the Last Planner System (LPS). We argue that lean tools work better when the environment is less autocratic, the team is more integrated, and the levels of trust between project team members are higher. In this organizational environment power-distance is decreased. Lean and goal setting also seem to interact positively and motivate the team.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of IGLC 23 - 23rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction
Subtitle of host publicationGlobal Knowledge - Global Solutions
EditorsPaz Arroyo, Olli Seppanen, Vicente A. Gonzalez
Pages681-690
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780987455796
StatePublished - 2015
Event23rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 2015 - Perth, Australia
Duration: 28 Jul 201531 Jul 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of IGLC 23 - 23rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction: Global Knowledge - Global Solutions
Volume2015-January

Conference

Conference23rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 2015
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityPerth
Period28/07/1531/07/15

Keywords

  • Goal Setting
  • Last Planner System
  • Power Distance
  • Social Dynamics
  • Trust.

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Building and Construction
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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