The hybridization of lean production: The case of Japanese subsidiaries in the Polish auto manufacturing industry

This research addresses the transfer of the Japanese management system (JMS) to subsidiaries in the Polish auto manufacturing industry. Significant attention is given in various literatures to the concept of lean production and its basis within the JMS. An important research focus is the transfer of lean production principles to economies beyond Japan. This thesis contributes to an understanding of the transfer process with reference to Japanese direct investment in Poland. Conceptually, hybridization is elaborated within the evolutionary theory of the firm. Empirically, three measures of hybridization are developed with respect to Japanese subsidiaries in Poland. Information is drawn from interviews with managers to reveal actual management practices. These are compared to existing models of lean production and the JMS. Analysis reveals that the four case studies represent different types of hybrids. An underlying concern is whether evolving forms of the Japanese management system are appropriate for development of Poland.