Measuring the soft sides of TQM and Lean

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to examine TQM and Lean in regards to values and principles, implementation problems and measurements for success. The purpose was also to present an approach to measure organizational culture and values as a part of the implementation strategy for TQM and Lean. Methodology/ApproachLiterature studies were conducted to examine TQM and Lean regarding values and principles, implementation problems and measurements of success. With the literature study as a base a questionnaire with statements about the main principles of Lean was developed to further evolve an existing survey used to measure the values ‘Leadership commitment’ and ‘Participation of everybody’. FindingsThe literature study showed similar problems when implementing Lean and TQM but even though they are said to originate from the same roots it was found that there are some areas within Lean that are not quite so apparent in TQM. Based on the findings the already exciting measurement was extended with these principles with the purpose to create an approach to measure organizational culture. Value of PaperA measurement approach can help managers to measure to what extent the values and principles of TQM and Lean are present within an organization, a prerequisite for achieving world-class quality