Lean Cooperation: A Framework

While both concepts lean management and cooperation not only have received considerable attention in management literature but also have been combined e.g. in the field of supply chain literature, a comprehensive definition of lean cooperation is still missing. Whereas lean supply chain cooperation is only one aspect in a growing field, we aim at considering further forms of cooperation coming up and having consequences for the management of lean initiatives. Based on an extensive literature review, we develop a framework addressing lean cooperation and thus, allowing for systematization. Furthermore we find out that current literature mainly focusses on lean cooperation along the supply chain. This paper presents other forms of cooperation focused on lean management. With a case study of lean cooperation within an industry cluster we will show the potential of knowledge-transfer on lean practices for individual firm´s implementation. This paper provides a definition and a research framework for lean cooperation. Insights will be useful for further analysis of lean management roll-out within outlined forms of cooperation. Practitioners will learn about benefits and restrictions of lean cooperation. The paper also is of value for researchers giving a structured outline of lean cooperation and stating fields for further research.