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

Ben Clegg, Jill MacBryde, Peter Ball*, Donato Masi, Helen Mullen, Stella Despoudi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.
Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Productivity and Performance Management
Early online date26 Sept 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 26 Sept 2024

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. This author's accepted manuscript is deposited under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC) licence. This means that anyone may distribute, adapt, and build upon the work for non-commercial purposes, subject to full attribution. If you wish to use this manuscript for commercial purposes, please contact [email protected].

Data Access Statement

Interview transcriptions are available as an anonymised ESRC dataset (MacBryde et al., 2019) and can be made available on request.

Keywords

  • productivity
  • efficiency
  • strategic alignment
  • manufacturing
  • case study

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