Factors Influencing Implementation of Lean Production Principles in Small and Medium-sized Food Enterprises of Khuzestan Province

Small and medium-sized enterprises, by increasing job creation and reducing poverty, lead to the economic and social growth of developing countries. Today, these companies face rapid market shifts and budget cuts that have reduced their ability and, consequently, increased risk of planning. Therefore, the need for a new management system, called the lean production system, is feeling. Lean production is a production method that deliver quality products to customers while eliminating any process that is not worthwhile for the customer.The main objective of the present research is to determine the factors affecting the implementation of the principles of lean production in food industry small and mediumsizedenterprises of Khuzestan province. The statistical population of the study consisted of allmanagers of small and medium-sized food enterprises of Khuzestan (N = 307). By usingKrejcie and Morgan’s Table and stratified random sampling with proportional to size 170 people (n = 170) were selected asa sample and161respondents completed the questionnaires. The results of correlation analysis show that there is a significant positive relationship between management commitment, employee empowerment, employee involvement, teamwork, human resources management and customer relationship management by implementing the principles of lean production. According to the results of regression analysis, three variables of customer relationship management, human resources management and empowerment of employees have the highly effect in implementing the principles of lean production.