Operational autonomy explains the value of group work in both lean and reflective production

Describes and compares two designs of work group: those which are based on the use of standard operating procedures, as found in lean production, and those based on decentralized in‐group solving of problems, as found in reflective production. Uses a Euro‐Japanese example of the former and a Swedish example of the latter. Concludes that both approaches result in an operational process that runs autonomously. The approaches should be used in different situations.