What does the term KAIZEN refer to?

The term KAIZEN refers to a long-term organizational philosophy for continuous improvement. It originates from the Japanese words "kai," meaning change or improvement, and "zen," meaning good or better. This concept involves every employee in an organization, encouraging them to identify areas for enhancement and engage in incremental changes over time. The emphasis is on fostering a culture where small, incremental improvements can lead to significant enhancement in processes, productivity, efficiency, and overall quality.

KAIZEN is not about immediate or drastic changes, but rather focuses on gradual enhancements that can accumulate over time, leading to stable operations and sustained gains. It encompasses a mindset of consistently seeking better ways to work and improve, which aligns with the broader objectives of lean management and operational excellence.