incremental improvements to operational and quality perfor-
mance. ‘Incremental’ is the key word in continuous improve-
ment. It is not about making sudden quantum leaps in response
to crisis situations. It isabout adopting a steady, step-by-step
approach to improving the ways in which the organization goes
about doing things when carrying out the activities required to
deliver value to its customers. This philosophy and the principle
of incrementalism applies to everyone in the organization, espe-
cially its managers.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CONTINUOUS
IMPROVEMENTIn Japan the process of continuous improvement is called kaizen,
which is a composite of the word kaimeaning change, and zen
meaning good or for the better. The kaizen management style
relies on a foundation of gradual change, building up a culture of
quality awareness and constant learning. It is almost the oppo-
site of the Western culture of innovation, which is based on
sudden change and great leaps forward in business.
The significance of continuous improvement is that it is a day-
to-day process in which everyone is involved. Continuous
improvement changes the way people think about their work,
and it is the process of change which is important as well as the
results achieved. Its significance also rests on the fact that contin-
uous improvement uses the contributions of all employees. It
encourages the production of a stream of suggestions for modest
improvements, which can be translated into immediate changes
in working practices.
HOW TO INTRODUCE CONTINUOUS
IMPROVEMENTThe introduction of continuous improvement is by means of
communications, involvement, process development and
training. Managers play a key role in these activities.
How to Achieve Continuous Improvement