Towards an integrative classification of operational excellence principles: a cross-model analysis

Purpose Operational Excellence (OpEx) is represented through multiple models, yet their principles are expressed through different terminology and emphases, which sustain conceptual fragmentation and hinder systematic comparison and integration. This study addresses this gap by examining how excellence principles converge across OpEx models. Design/methodology/approach An integrative cross-model analysis was conducted on eight widely referenced OpEx models, Lean Thinking, Toyota Way, Shingo, Deming, EFQM, MBNQA, Agile and DevOps. Their explicit principles were extracted, compared and clustered according to conceptual equivalence to develop a structured classification of shared principles. Findings Nine recurring classes were identified: Respect for People, Teamwork, Transformational Leadership, Continuous Improvement, Process Knowledge, Pull Flow, Quality at the Source, Higher Purpose and Customer-Oriented Value. These classes capture both technical and socio-cultural foundations of OpEx and reveal a stable set of principles shared across different excellence traditions. Originality/value By clarifying convergence beneath differently labelled principles, the proposed typology reduces conceptual dispersion, contributes to theoretical integration in the OpEx field and provides a conceptual basis to inform the design of adaptable and context-sensitive management systems.