Kaizen: what it is and what it means

Kaizen is a continuous improvement method based on the principle of small daily steps practiced by everyone who does the work, not only by management. The name comes from the Japanese 'kai' (change) and 'zen' (better). Kaizen emphasizes everyone's participation, progressive training and small daily steps as the main driver of improvement.

Distinctive: small daily steps practiced by everyone
Distinctive: everyone's participation
Essential: small daily steps
Essential: everyone who does the work
Constant: progressive training
Constant: main driver of improvement

Glossary

Kaizen

A Japanese continuous improvement method based on small daily steps practiced by everyone who does the work, with an emphasis on collective participation and on progressive training before technical tools.