| This study investigates 5S, a well-known physical workplace improvement framework developed in Japan, aiming at regulating the physical workplace by the support of employees¡¦ self-disciplinary behavior. Through the lens of planned organizational change, we suggest that in the China context, employees¡¦ self-disciplinary behavior cannot be presumed upon the 5S implementation as is assumed in Japan. Instead, we argue that the behavior is fostered by the intervention activities when employees are involved in improving the physical workplace. Furthermore, drawing upon a psychological contract perspective, we argue that the extent of behavioral change also depends on the extent to which the improved workplace matches employees¡¦ expectation. When expectation is met, employees will perceive the workplace as efficient and comfortable, and they will increase loyalty to the organization and enhance self-disciplinary behavior at work. Based on a sample of 418 front-line employees in a large-sized manufacturing firm in China, we find strong support to our model. |
Updated 07/09/2013