Lean and Six Sigma Philosophies and Organizational Performance: A Study in Portuguese Laboratories

Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to make a diagnosis of the implementation of Lean and Six Sigma philosophies in Portuguese laboratories and to evaluate the impact of these philosophies on organizational performance.

Methodology/Approach: A quantitative research methodology was used, based on the survey research strategy, and using as data collection instrument an original online questionnaire, validated and distributed to the Portuguese laboratories via email. The sample was composed by 106 laboratories. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were applied to the data, using IBM SPSS software.

Findings: It was found that most laboratories do not know the Lean Approach and/or Six Sigma philosophies, and their implementation occurred in about one tenth of the sample. The laboratories that implemented the philosophies were found to have a larger number of employees and turnover. Finally, regarding organizational performance it was found to be superior in laboratories that implemented at least one of the philosophies when compared to laboratories that did not implement any Lean and/or Six Sigma philosophy.

Research Limitation/Implication: The small sample size, which corresponds to approximately 15% of the population, is the main limitation of the study.

Originality/Value of paper: This study is the first diagnosis on the application of Lean and Six Sigma philosophies made in the Portuguese laboratory market, and may provide relevant inputs for decision-making in this context.