Determinants of lean manufacturing adoption by Chinese manufacturers

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to analyze the determinants influencing Chinese manufacturing companies in implementing lean manufacturing (LM). Design/methodology/approach The determinants to be explored in this study consist of technological, organizational and environmental (TOE) dimensions. A questionnaire survey was conducted on Chinese manufacturing companies, and 208 samples were analyzed. Findings The findings show that the relative advantage of LM and organizational support have significantly positive effects on Chinese manufacturing firms’ adoption of LM. The complexity of LM, quality of human resources, organizational readiness, customer pressure, international situation, governmental support and environmental uncertainty do not have significant effects. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by using the TOE model to explore the factors influencing LM adoption in the Chinese manufacturing industry.