The Role of Leadership in Lean Implementation in Service Organizations: A Review

Abstract

In order to improve the current quality of operations, guarantee the development of a large number of beneficial financial and economic outcomes, and enhance the behaviour of the workforce, lean service incorporates a combination of tools and techniques.  Therefore, in today's cutthroat business environment, it becomes quite important.  Using a wide range of lenses, including service improvement, manufacturing, supply chain, market, and retailing, among others, this article provides a thorough bibliographic examination of lean service strategies.  As a result, it provides an unobstructed view of the ways lean services are applied across different industries and the ways in which lean services help to enhance service quality while decreasing costs. In contrast to manufacturing companies, service organizations face distinct obstacles when attempting to implement lean principles. Leadership plays a pivotal role in ensuring successful Lean transformation through vision, communication, employee engagement, and continuous improvement culture. This paper reviews existing literature on leadership’s role in Lean adoption in service sectors, identifies leadership styles and competencies critical for success, and presents findings in a structured tabular form.