Six sigma, absorptive capacity and organisational learning orientation

Six sigma, absorptive capacity and organisational learning orientation

The importance of the six sigma methodology in industry is growing constantly. However, there are few empirical studies that analyse the advantages of this methodology and its positive effects on organisational performance. The purpose of this paper is to extend understanding of the success of six s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of production research Vol. 50; no. 3; pp. 661 - 675
Main Authors: Gutiérrez, L.J. Gutiérrez, Bustinza, O.F., Molina, V. Barrales
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01-02-2012
Taylor & Francis
Taylor & Francis LLC
Subjects:
Absorptive capacity
Absorptivity
Applied sciences
Engineering Sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Firm modelling
Learning
Mathematical analysis
Mathematical models
Methodology
Operational research and scientific management
Operational research. Management science
organisational learning orientation
Organizational learning
Orientation
Process management
Quality management
Six Sigma
Structural members
Studies
teamwork
Europe
Knowledge engineering
six sigma
Competitiveness
Empirical method
Orientation
Modeling
absorptive capacity
Learning
Hypothesis test
Quality assurance
Innovation
Business model
process management
teamwork
Team work
Knowledge discovery
organisational learning orientation
Quality management
Firm strategy
Physical Sciences
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Summary:The importance of the six sigma methodology in industry is growing constantly. However, there are few empirical studies that analyse the advantages of this methodology and its positive effects on organisational performance. The purpose of this paper is to extend understanding of the success of six sigma quality management initiatives by investigating the effects of six sigma teamwork and process management on absorptive capacity. It also seeks to understand the relation between absorptive capacity and organisational learning as two sources of sustainable competitive advantage. The information used comes from a larger study, the data for which was collected from a random sample of 237 European firms. Of these 237 organisations, 58 are six sigma organisations. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The main findings show that six sigma teamwork and process management positively affect the development of absorptive capacity. A positive and significant relationship is also observed between absorptive capacity and organisational learning orientation. The findings of this study justify six sigma implementation in firms. This study provides us with an in-depth understanding of some structural elements that characterise the six sigma methodology, enabling us to provide an explanation for its success.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
content type line 23
ISSN:0020-7543
1366-588X
DOI:10.1080/00207543.2010.543175