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4.1 Introduction
Lean Management(LM) is a concept of leadership developed in post- war Japan in times of depression. It is the logical and consequent extension of all modern and practicable western management and marketing methods. The expression refers to the term \"lean production\", a manufacturing concept consisting of several methods to produce small amounts of high quality- products without wasting precious resources.
The LM- concept has proved to be superior in terms of speed, productivity, quality and flexibility. This is considered to be an effect of the special relationship of managers to employees- the company is seen as a large family working together to improve results. Lean Management has an emotional aspect that contrasts the scientific approach of most western management methods.
4.2 The System
The company is a system closed in itself and the employee is the centre of it.
4.2.1 Elements:
Well- founded, spiritual guidelines
Working principles with new organisational thoughts
Integrating strategies to solve the company\'s central tasks
Scientifically-engineering methods
Pragmatic media for employees
Avoids waste and invests in natural intelligence resources of the employees
4.2.2 Lean Management- 6 main strategies
Customer- oriented, lean production Quality in all departments of the company Fast and safe development and introduction of new products
Continuous flow of material All- encompassing quality management Simultaneous engineering
Win and keep customers Ability to compete and succeed Integrate operations into society
Proactive marketing Strategic use of capital The company as a family
4.2.3 Organisation and some main thoughts
. Flat leadership pyramid
. Miniature working units and strong emphasis on teamwork, the individual fights for the company, not for himself
. Significant importance is given to each individual, no higher or lower value of employees
. High responsibility of all employees leads to better motivation
. Kaizen- the process of constant improvement
. Conflicts are expensive, are to be avoided by real trust, trust society instead of mistrust society
. Involve company actively in social and industrial environment
. Total use of all resources such as employees, customers, intermediaries and investors
. Loyal customers are the most precious- excess loyalty by involvement into company
4.4 A management style of the future?
Though Lean Management has proved to be an effective method in Japan, we have to consider the main cultural differences between the western and the eastern cultures to have an idea of the applicability of this concept
Japanese people- generally said- still think in classical patriarchal terms- European LM would have to be based on the modern European family concept.
The Japanese are culturally predestinated to adapt the idea of teamwork, while individuality and innovative power are typical western skills. Those shouldn\'t be eliminated but should be made more convenient for teamwork
I think Japan can be described as a culture of hard workers while the western societies are rather leisure- cultures. The Japanese often spend their little free time on events organised by their companies, e.g. Karaoke, in order to make a good impression and show loyalty to their employers.
Due to the high competition in terms of employment in Japan, many employees are FORCED to accept conditions, the European market still offers more convenience to the employees.
Total Quality Management(TQM) includes some of the aspects of LM without having its \"totalitarian\" attitude.
With the necessary changes of LM in order to make it successful in the Western world, the result would be quite close to TQM and therefore to an already existing management concept.
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