The benefits associated with JIT may be culturally bound and somewhat limited to

Question

The benefits associated with JIT may be culturally bound and somewhat limited to the Japanese environment. The reason being the level of involvement established in Japanese organizations using JIT is not compatible with the degree of employee participation required to satisfy western workers

It’s true that the Japanese are known for their unique work culture and also social behavior. ‘The management literature frequently characterizes Japanese industrial organization in terms such as collectivism, group-orientation, harmony and team spirit, and attributes these traits to Japan's cultural and traditional uniqueness’ Ikuko (1999). The statement above implies that the use of JIT; a Japanese techniques by other countries may be somewhat limited due to the absence on the Japanese unique context. Could this mean that the use of JIT should be accompanied with the Japanese context? That companies using the JIT measures should consider restructuring their work cultures to reflect that of the Japanese and that by so doing they may get better results?

If you agree what are these Japanese work cultures that companies must adopt.

Explanation / Answer

We agree with the fact that Companies should bring the critical elements of JIT system within their organizations to make it more effective. JIT is viewed as more of a philosophy than a series of manufacturing techniques. It also is viewed as a set of management technologies in global world.

JIT requires a complex changes in organization. As JIT viewed as organizational philosophy, an organization
needs to modify its operating procedures, production system and its organizational culture. Besides that, in order JIT to be effective, JIT has to be viewed as organization wide.

Many researchers argue that culture is the most critical element to the successful implementation by Japanese. So, to enjoy the fruits of JIT, it requires an organizational to change their organizational culture.

Following are the critical elements of of JIT system:-

1 Setup time reduction

2 Total Quality Control / Quality Circle

3 Smooth flow production

4 Decrease lot size

5 Education and training
6 Employee involvement
7 Total preventive maintenance
8 Process and workers flexibility
9 Uniform workload
10 Vendor/supplier relationship
11 Kanban
12 Top management commitment
13 Pull system
14 Eliminate waste

If we refer to the bold ones in the above listing, they are centered towards Orgainzational behavious and employees. These play very important role in success of JIT system. A brief discussion on each of the bold topics is given below:-

Education and training : Education and training is a very important element in implementing JIT. In one study conducted, it is found that one of the most common JIT implementation problems in Egyptian manufacturing plant is lack of formal training or education for either management or worker. Another researcher once stated that the biggest mistakes a company can make when implementing JIT is to ignore interpersonal skills, education and training . Furthermore, without clear understanding of JIT, the conversion from old to new concept will be very difficult or perhaps even impossible . Training should concentrate on basic understanding of the technical aspects of JIT and the impact that JIT will have on the operating environment. Some programs suggested to be include in JIT education and training of an organizations are ongoing training and education rather than ad hoc programs, training is aimed at all employees not just salaried employees, training is aimed at more than purely technical skills, cross training for multiple skills, and extensive training upon hiring . Cross training for all workers is a must to develop multiple skills so that workers can do different jobs in the factory . With proper training and education, it will help workers to understand the philosophy, concept and techniques of JIT.

Employee Involvement: Employee involvement comes to one of the top elements that is most frequently appeared in JIT literature. All members in the factory, from upper management down to the shop-floor workers, must work as a team. It also is a very important element to create a congenial environment among coworker. Plus, to make JIT implementation successful and to minimize the chances of creating conflicts, it is important to maintain support from all people involved in production.

Flexibility to workers give them motivation and satisfaction towards the job. And uniform workload ensures better ultilsation of workers and also gives them personal time thereby increasing the overall satisfaction and loyalty towards the organization.

To conclude, in order to be successful at implemenation of JIT, an organization shoud take steps to align its organsational structure, behaviour, policies and culture towards the above mentioned critical elements.

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