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.
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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 26 |
| Journal | International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management |
| Early online date | 26 Sept 2024 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 26 Sept 2024 |
Funding
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.
Keywords
- productivity
- manufacturing
- strategic alignment
- efficiency
- case study
Access to Document
Other files and links
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Where next for manufacturing productivity research? Propositions based on exploratory empirical investigation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Datasets
-
Dataset relating to the ESRC-funded Productivity Insights Network project: "Exploring the productivity narrative in manufacturing organisations"
MacBryde, J. (Creator), Mullen, H. (Creator), Ball, P. (Creator), Clegg, B. (Creator), Smart, P. (Creator), Despoudi, S. (Creator) & Masi, D. (Creator), University of Strathclyde, 15 Oct 2019
DOI: 10.15129/770aa7b0-04f3-4951-8eca-2381141d027a
Dataset