Essay about Homework Week 1 OB

Case Study: Improving Health by Getting Lean
1. What perspective(s) of organizational effectiveness best describe the application of lean management practices? Describe how specific elements of that perspective related to the interventions described in this case study.

This case study utilized several perspectives of organizational effectiveness to help adapt their goal of lean management. Within the open system perspective the most common strategy is to change the company’s products and services, as well as how outputs are produced (McShane & Von Glinow, 2015, page 9). Sunderland reached out to their external environment for information with borrowing ideas from a nearby Nissan factory and incorporated information learned. Sunderland …show more content…

If so, what are the unintended consequences of these practices that might undermine rather than improve the organization’s effectiveness?

In this case study, lean management may have ignored the stakeholder’s perspective if we look at this through the patients view and even the employee’s view. Although the lean management is quicker and more efficient customer care, at what cost comes from this? Wait time has always been a concern for patients but the quality of care over-rules the priority of the needs for the community (stakeholders). The case study in question only gives the point of view from the hospital, not the patient. So with that said, does the patient feel pushed through the system or do they feel they received a high quality of care? This is where corporate social responsibility (CSR) may be corrupted. CSR intentions are to benefit society with no regards to the financial or legal obligations. Looking at the reduction of time and supplies used, there is a push from the employees to rush patients through their medical services to meet their efficiency process. If this is the case, then both the patients and employees are conflicted.

3. In what situations, if any, would it be difficult or risky to apply lean management practices? What conditions make these practices challenging in these situations?

In order for lean management to work, you must have management that understands the concept of lean management and how employees play a role in