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Kaizen strategy and the drive for competitiveness: challenges and opportunities

Kaizen strategy and the drive for competitiveness: challenges and opportunities Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to revisit the Japanese model of continuous improvement (Kaizen) in order to evaluate its contribution to competitiveness in organizations and also recommend possible future research directions. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper, and secondary databased. The paper examines a vast body of research, which looked at the model from different perspectives, and critically explores its potential benefits and drawbacks in organizations. Findings – The paper concludes that, if properly implemented, Kaizen model can substantially contribute to continuous improvement and, thus, drive organizations for high competitiveness without a need for major investment. Practical implications – The findings suggest that the implementation of Kaizen calls for a development of a suitable culture within an organization that encourages creativity and promotes the theme of never settling on a status quo. Originality/value – This paper shows that success of Kaizen model is not always guaranteed, as work environment and organizational culture can be the important variables in its implementation. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal incorporating Journal of Global Competitiveness Emerald Publishing

Kaizen strategy and the drive for competitiveness: challenges and opportunities

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2009 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1059-5422
DOI
10.1108/10595420910962070
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to revisit the Japanese model of continuous improvement (Kaizen) in order to evaluate its contribution to competitiveness in organizations and also recommend possible future research directions. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper, and secondary databased. The paper examines a vast body of research, which looked at the model from different perspectives, and critically explores its potential benefits and drawbacks in organizations. Findings – The paper concludes that, if properly implemented, Kaizen model can substantially contribute to continuous improvement and, thus, drive organizations for high competitiveness without a need for major investment. Practical implications – The findings suggest that the implementation of Kaizen calls for a development of a suitable culture within an organization that encourages creativity and promotes the theme of never settling on a status quo. Originality/value – This paper shows that success of Kaizen model is not always guaranteed, as work environment and organizational culture can be the important variables in its implementation.

Journal

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal incorporating Journal of Global CompetitivenessEmerald Publishing

Published: May 22, 2009

Keywords: Continuous improvement; Competitive strategy; Organizational effectiveness

References