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Exploring the emotional experience of lean
Taylor, Siobhan McSherry, Robert Cook, Susy Giles, Emma
Taylor, Siobhan
McSherry, Robert
Cook, Susy
Giles, Emma
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Publication Date
2020-11-10
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Abstract
Purpose – This research aims to contribute to the literature on Lean implementation in healthcare by studying
the emotional experiences of the relevant actors related to a Rapid Process Improvement Workshop (RPIW) in a
UK healthcare context. The purpose of this study was to go beyond what people think about Lean and towards
an exploration of their subjective, emotional and “feeling” experience and whether that emotional experience
influenced Lean implementation.
Design/methodology/approach – A phenomenological and symbolic interactionist qualitative case study
was undertaken. Data related to participants’ emotional experience were collected through non-participant
observation and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic network analysis.
Findings – This paper provides novel insights into the emotional experience of Lean as experienced through
an RPIW. The findings reveal that participation in an RPIW is much more than a technical process. It influences
how people feel about themselves, is based on relationships with others, and requires mental, physical and
emotional effort. All of these factors influence engagement with, initiation of and sustainability of the RPIW.
Research limitations/implications – A new conceptual framework for the planning and implementation of
RPIWs has been developed. However, because of the chosen research approach, the results may lack
generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the framework and proposed practice implications.
Originality/value – Despite emotions being an integral part of individual and social everyday life, emotional
experience has not been studied in relation to Lean. This study is the first to explore emotions in relation to
Lean, with implications for practice as to how RPIWs are managed with a new framework for implementation
being proposed.
Citation
Taylor, S., McSherry, R., Cook, S. & Giles, M. (2021). Exploring the emotional experience of lean. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 35(1), 34-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHOM-01-2020-0002
Publisher
Emerald
Journal
Journal of Health Organization and Management
Research Unit
DOI
10.1108/JHOM-01-2020-0002
PubMed ID
PubMed Central ID
Type
Article
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Description
Series/Report no.
ISSN
1477-7266