Rolling out lean production systems in MNCs: a plant-level, cross-firm study

Rolling out lean production systems in MNCs is a complex knowledge transfer process whose design and implementation, though critical to operations performance, is underinvestigated. Applying conceptual tools drawn from knowledge diffusion, organiza-tional innovation and capability theories in international business, this exploratory study: a) classifies and interprets lean roll-out processes in MNCs; b) develops, through the cross-case analysis of seven plants, three testable propositions about how to conduct successful lean roll-outs. We posit that an approach based on collaborative learning between headquarters and subsidiaries, selective codification of lean knowledge, larger plant autonomy, and prevalence of contextual ambidexterity drives better roll-out performances.