Why and how do corporate lean programs change? A punctuated equilibrium perspective

Multinational companies develop and deploy corporate lean programs to improve productivity and strengthen competitiveness. Although conceived as long-term strategic initiatives, these programs often lose momentum, shift direction, or fall short of their aspirations. Drawing on the punctuated equilibrium theory, we study the forces that trigger changes in lean programs and how they shape the outcomes of those changes. We collect an extensive, multi-case database of documented corporate lean programs and use temporal bracketing to qualitatively investigate 32 program changes across 17 companies. Our analysis identifies the forces that determine the need for and support of the program within a company. Furthermore, we derive four possible outcomes of change depending on the vector sum of the forces’ directions and strengths. The findings are summarized in a framework tested in an on-site workshop with five companies. Theoretically, our punctuated equilibrium perspective offers a new understanding of evolutionary change in corporate lean programs. For practitioners, we present a practical framework that helps anticipate and prepare for looming changes in corporate programs. Relatedly, we offer a practical mapping tool that helps program managers proactively manage their programs.