Andrew Danford
Lean and mean in the civil service: The case of processing in HMRC
Danford, Andrew; Carter, Bob; Howcroft, Deborah; Smith, Andrew; Richardson, Helen; Taylor, Phil
Authors
Bob Carter
Deborah Howcroft
Andrew Smith
Helen Richardson
Phil Taylor
Abstract
The public sector has been importing private sector methods and practices aimed at generating efficiencies and cost savings. However, the consequences of these changes on the working lives of civil servants are under-researched. This article uses detailed fieldwork to investigate the impact of Lean on labour processes in HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). We argue that Lean has a detrimental effect on employees, their working lives, and the service that is provided to the public. The consequences of Lean on public sector work are highly problematic, which is of serious concern given its progressive impact on other civil service departments in the UK. © 2011 THE AUTHORS.
| Journal Article Type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | Mar 1, 2011 |
| Journal | Public Money and Management |
| Print ISSN | 0954-0962 |
| Electronic ISSN | 1467-9302 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (Routledge) |
| Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 115-122 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2011.560708 |
| Keywords | civil service, HM Revenue and Customs |
| Public URL | https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/967527 |
| Publisher URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2011.560708 |