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Where next for manufacturing productivity research? Propositions based on exploratory empirical investigation

Ben Clegg (Aston Business School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK)
Jill MacBryde (Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK)
Peter Ball (School for Business and Society, University of York, York, UK)
Donato Masi (Aston Business School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK)
Helen Mullen (Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK)
Stella Despoudi (University of Western Macedonia, Grevena, Greece)

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management

ISSN: 1741-0401

Article publication date: 26 September 2024

43

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop empirically grounded propositions for further research into UK manufacturing productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with managers from strategic, tactical and operational levels from four manufacturing sectors to produce case studies. A modified strategic alignment theory framework was used to code, compare and contrast narratives on perceived productivity antecedents, definitions, compatibility with the definition from the UK Office for National Statistics, and vertical alignment issues within and across cases.

Findings

It was found that different key antecedents can facilitate and/or prevent strategic vertical alignment. Discussion reveals complex nuances in perceptions of manufacturing productivity and using the modified strategic alignment theory/productivity antecedent framework.

Originality/value

In revealing the alignment or otherwise of productivity definitions at different levels within the firm, the paper reveals nine propositions for future research including definitions, skills, metrics, performance measurement systems, people and system-centric perspectives, the value-added perspective of productivity and the role of innovation.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge support of the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Productivity Insights Network https://productivityinsightsnetwork.co.uk/and the Industry and Parliamentary Trust (IPT, Houses of Parliament, UK) for hearing and debating these propositions.

Citation

Clegg, B., MacBryde, J., Ball, P., Masi, D., Mullen, H. and Despoudi, S. (2024), "Where next for manufacturing productivity research? Propositions based on exploratory empirical investigation", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-05-2023-0229

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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