Continuous Improvement in Organizational Success
Introduction
Continuous improvement is a process carried out in an organization to continually eradicate problems from their root causes (Marsh 1998). It is a paradigm that is deeply entrenched in the total quality management tenets. It is a step by step process rather than a onetime overhaul event. This, therefore, qualifies the term continuous since it is a bit by bit process, each involving continuous improvement. The history of continuous improvement has roots in the Japanese business fraternity. The philosophy of continuous improvement permeates the Japanese business culture in a great way. Kaizen is the Japanese word that represents continuous improvement. Kaizen was initially
This means that there has to be clear and publicly declared structures which are used to recognize the employees' efforts. This will help motivate the employees by giving them a goal to achieve (Stonebraker & Leong 1994). According to Cane (1996), the employees have to be directly involved in the process of improvement if it is to succeed. The process of continuous improvement offers organizations a competitive edge if it is appropriately adhered to. Cane (1996), thus, asserts that continuous improvement is a fruit of unanimous effort to attain high quality levels. The organization has to work as a team in identifying the loopholes or weak links it is exposed to. The problem solving also has to be done, where all parties are involved and the efforts of all are recognized. Workers should, however, be trained on various techniques that would facilitate problem identification and communication. This will ensure workers gain a sense of importance, which will in turn facilitate quality is improved and problems are solved as they arise (Cane 1996). Continuous improvement is a problem solving antic which is rapidly gaining popularity as it is providing a competitive edge to businesses that adopt it. This is due to the fact that continuous improvement greatly relies on feedback from key stakeholders of the organization. These include the directors, management, employees, customers, and the suppliers. Management adopting continuous improvement policy develops a