In the world of manufacturing, where precision and compliance are paramount, understanding the subtle interplay between human behaviour and process adherence is not just beneficial but essential. Organizational anthropologists step into this realm with a unique perspective that penetrates beyond the surface of standard operational procedures to explore the rich tapestry of human motivations and interactions that shape how people engage with processes. At BUNKA, anthropology, the study of humanity, is at the core of everything we do.
The Human Element in Manufacturing
An organizational anthropological lens brings to light the often-overlooked aspect of manufacturing: the human-process dynamic. Our BUNKA Ethnography™ allows us to uncover the associated subtleties and behavioural patterns. Whether it is digging deeper into one part of the value stream or the entire value stream itself, we get to the root of understanding how the interaction between people and processes are influencing your current performance. Every day, workers interact with processes that are designed to be efficient and fail-safe. Whether you are struggling, or just want to get better you may find that adherence fluctuates, and efficiencies vary. The question arises: Why do some excel in following protocols while others struggle? This is where anthropological insights become invaluable.
By observing and interacting with employees and processes, as well as conducting in-depth analyses of your performance data our anthropological team uncovers the nuanced ways in which group dynamics, individual motivations, and cultural backgrounds influence compliance and process efficacy. The anthropological lens considers all workers as people first. Employees are considered beyond just cogs in the corporate machine. They are social beings whose work – and ultimately the decisions they make – is heavily influenced by their cultural and psychological environments both within and outside the workplace.
Equal Levers: People and Process
Traditionally, manufacturing improvements have focused predominantly on optimizing processes. While this is undoubtedly important, elevating the “people lever”—understanding and shaping how individuals engage or do not engage with these processes—is equally crucial. An anthropological approach provides leaders with the tools to achieve this balance, ensuring that changes in processes resonate well with those who implement them daily.
Imagine a scenario where a new safety protocol is introduced. From a purely procedural standpoint, it’s flawless. However, uptake is slow, and adherence is inconsistent. Our BUNKA Ethnography™ might uncover that workers feel the new rules are imposed without context, understanding their daily challenges, or respecting their expertise. Addressing these cultural and emotional dimensions can lead to better acceptance and implementation of new practices.
Embracing Anthropological Insights
For leaders in manufacturing, particularly in environments governed by stringent regulatory requirements, embracing anthropological insights can illuminate the path to enhanced compliance and performance. It encourages a leadership style that is not just directive but also empathetic and inclusive, acknowledging and harnessing the diversity of worker experiences and values.
As you reflect on the operational challenges your organization faces, consider these questions:
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- How well do you understand how the cultural underpinnings of your workplace are shaping your performance results?
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- Do your processes reflect the real-world experiences of your employees?
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- What are the specific actions and practices your leaders need to integrate and engage in to foster better adherence and engagement?
At BUNKA, through our many implementations we have found that when people feel understood and valued at all levels of the organization, not only as employees but as human beings, they are more likely to commit to organizational goals and regulations. By fostering an environment where everyone feels part of a larger mission, compliance becomes a shared responsibility, not just a mandate – not just a check-the-box exercise.
Incorporating this human-centric approach doesn’t just improve operational efficiency; it builds a more resilient, responsive, and committed organization. After all, at the heart of every process, it is the people who drive success. In times of rapid change that we are seeing today, it would be amiss for organizational leaders not to use anthropological insight to gain a deeper understanding of the strategic levers that need to be capitalized on and those that need to take a back seat. To proactively address the importance of manufacturing compliance and culture, invite BUNKA’s unparalleled expertise into your organization. Contact us today to harness the transformative power of anthropology for elevated compliance and a revitalized workplace culture.
