Exploring the impact of lean practices on organizational sustainability: A study of Qatari higher education institutions

Background Lean practices have been increasingly applied in higher education institutions (HEIs) to improve efficiency and sustainability. In Qatar, HEIs face challenges in balancing global ambitions with local identity while ensuring operational performance. Objective This study examines how lean practices—particularly leadership support, continuous improvement, and waste elimination—affect environmental, economic, and social sustainability in Qatari HEIs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 124 academic and administrative staff from Qatar University and the Community College of Qatar. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships between lean practices and sustainability outcomes. Results Findings indicate that lean practices have a significant positive impact on all three sustainability dimensions. Leadership support, continuous improvement, and waste elimination were the most influential factors, demonstrating strong effects on environmental (β = 0.425, p < 0.001), economic (β = 0.515, p < 0.001), and social sustainability (β = 0.484, p < 0.001). Conclusions The study highlights that lean methodologies can enhance sustainability performance in HEIs. The results provide practical insights for policymakers and administrators seeking to integrate lean strategies into institutional sustainability agendas in Qatar.