Solving social loafing phenomenon through Lean-Kanban: A case study in non-profit organization

Abstract

Purpose

The commercialization of non-profit organization (NPOs) has become a trend. Nonetheless, during the process of providing services and manufacturing products, NPOs frequently encounter obstacles, such as distinctive organizational characteristics and social loafing, which hinder development. These obstacles impede effective production management process, especially in responding to market competitive logic and associated demands. The purpose of this paper is to assist NPOs in resolving the unique challenges posed by commercialization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first examined related literature on the social loafing and Lean-Kanban model. Subsequently, existing service procedures of the Assistive Technology Resource Center were introduced, and the loafing situation and operational management issues within the organization were analyzed. Based on observed experiences in the case study, this study investigated the social loafing situation that NPOs are likely to encounter during the commercialization process. Adaptive strategies were then proposed to mitigate this situation. Finally, this study presents a summary and analysis of the study results, and offers recommendations regarding future research directions.

Findings

The findings of this study provide valuable information regarding NPOs commercialization, indicating that an understanding of the non-profit concept in relation to internal and external customers must be incorporated into the commercialization process. Social loafing is a sensitive topic in organizational research, particularly for NPOs without HR professionals. This study recommends that NPOs use Lean-management tools to reduce operational management issues caused by various social loafing situations. Further interdisciplinary, integrated research on the commercialization of NPOs of various types should be conducted to clarify concerns regarding the overall NPO commercialization environment.

Originality/value

This study examined a social welfare foundation and applied the Lean thinking model to investigate whether Lean-management tools alleviate and eliminate social loafing. The solution depends on interdisciplinary integrated research for improving NPO management practice. These management tools can be used to adjust the division of labor and reduce operational management problems caused by social loafing. These tools can provide NPOs with a reference for establishing a fair and equitable internal work environment and developing strategies that respond to market pressure and efficiency during commercialization.

Citation

Chen, J.C.-C. and Cheng, C.-Y. (2018), "Solving social loafing phenomenon through Lean-Kanban: A case study in non-profit organization", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 31 No. 5, pp. 984-1000. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-12-2016-0299