The introduction of lean principles in the building sector: an analysis through Engeström activity theory

Lean is an organizational model of production that spreads through many economic sectors, including the building sector. This model is very controversial regarding security and health at work. The paper focuses on the particular moment of the introduction of the approach, in the building sector. The implementation is initiated at the company level, and generates tension in the ordinary activity of the yard. These tensions are analyzed on the basis of the activity theory developed by Engeström. We study the interactions between the lean implementation activity system and the yard management activity system. This approach reveals the contradiction generated by the introduction of the approach within and between each activity system.