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Change approaches & management tools SeCtion tWo
Strengths and limitations
Developed in a manufacturing context, the technique has latterly gained ground in marketing, sales and public services, particularly health care in the context of waiting list reduction. Any evidence on its strengths/weaknesses?
In relation to social care change, Theory of Constraints can engage people accessing service, their families and other stakeholders either directly or indirectly in mapping out what prevents a process being implemented successfully. If being applied in a service it is important that there is support from senior management – if not then the service may not be able to make the changes due to standard organisational processes and standards. The language connected with this approach may be off putting for many stakeholders and therefore other phrases such as ‘blocks and barriers’ may be more helpful.
Further reading
1. Dettmer HW (2007) The Logical Thinking Process: A Systems Approach to Complex Problem Solving. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press.
2. Goldratt EM and Cox J (1993) The Goal, Aldershot: Gower.
3. Goldratt EM (1994) It’s not luck, Great Barrington, MA: North River Press.
4. Goldratt EM (1997) Critical chain, Great Barrington, MA: North River Press.
5. Goldratt EM, Eliyahu M (1999)Theory of Constraints, Great Barrington, MA: North River Press.
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