Abstract

The main goal of the present research is to understand how the association between lean production and information and communication technologies (ICTs) (both internal- and external-oriented) impact on operational performance. A survey was conducted with data from 110 Brazilian manufacturers. The research constructs were validated through rigorous procedures (convergent and discriminant validity, and reliability), and hypotheses were tested using Ordinary Least Square regression. Our results indicate a mix of contradictory results, such as: (i) internal-oriented ICTs positively
moderate the effect of lean on operational performance; and (ii) external-oriented ICTs negatively moderate the effect of lean on operational performance. These results evidence the importance of understanding the systemic relationships between lean and ICTs, both internally and externally, that were not tested before. As practical implications, findings suggest that managers should prioritise internal ICTs implementation if they intend to increase the impact of lean on operational performance.