Anupama

Let’s see the job description of the LSS resources and try to evaluate as to why cost-cutting initiatives target this function..
 
Six Sigma professionals work in all types of companies, in nearly every industry. They are often employed by government agencies and contractors, telecommunications firms, manufacturing companies, healthcare companies and financial services providers, to name a few. Six Sigma professionals are typically responsible for providing expertise in deploying Lean and Six Sigma programs and initiatives, and directing teams to achieve desired results using Six Sigma methodologies.
 
Six Sigma professionals support the analysis, planning, design, implementation and evaluation of key projects to help companies achieve their goals. Using Six Sigma methodology and analytics, they accomplish measurable business process improvements.
 
Specific Six Sigma job duties might include instructing cross-functional teams in adapting to and understanding improvement processes, facilitating Kaizen and Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs), and overseeing process improvement projects. These professionals may also be required to interpret customer needs and requirements, translate concepts into practice, identify process improvement opportunities, and quantify results and trends.
 
Professionals who are leading Six Sigma projects are also often required to make recommendations, and develop and present formal presentations to senior management. Six Sigma Black Belts will typically share best practices methods and ideas, as well as coach and mentor others, particularly Six Sigma Green Belts.  (Excerpts from sixsigmadaily.com)
 
Though such elaborate functions are planned, carried out, documented and implemented, the “results” may not be in sync with the Management’s expectation.  
 
Quoting a personal experience: A six sigma approach was implemented in one our department.  The attrition rate before Six Sigma was quite low.  All the evaluation parameters, the KRA’s, that were defined were not accepted by the subordinates and the attrition rate increased.  This in turn was another set of challenges for the management, which is now focusing on frequent hiring, training, hand holding, deploying etc., There was a large gap between the theoretical discussion and the actual implementation and the results.  
 
Once the companies grey areas are identified and the solutions implemented, the LSS resources seems to be a Liability to the company.  Not trying to sound harsh – but it’s more often that it’s a onetime use and throw approach. 
 Or
The expectations from the management is very high in a short span of time for which they think that LSS is not yielding results are expected and in turn have to face the heat.