Lean six sigma in the public sector: overcoming persistent management challenges

Abstract The implementation of Lean Six Sigma in the public sector has grown considerably in recent years and may be accentuated in times of global economic crisis. Even so, general aspects that can guide managers for its implementation in the public sector were not found in the related scientific literature. This paper proposes management guidelines for LSS implementation in public service organizations aiming to support the continuous improvement regarding their processes and results. The guidelines originated from LSS principles under management perspective and literature review on both LSS and public sector using the grounded theory method, being refined afterwards by experts in public management and LSS. This paper can encourage public managers to start a low-cost improvement process in the organizations and support the LSS continuity. Concerning the scientific contribution, this proposal provides a more comprehensive perspective on LSS implementation in the public sector raising persistent management challenges and being a starting point for new research on LSS guidelines directed to specific services within the public sector.