Kaizenkulturen
Kaizenkulturen refers to organizational cultures that embrace Kaizen—continuous improvement—focusing on incremental enhancements, waste reduction, and people-centered involvement. In German-language management literature, the term describes how organizations cultivate a sustained habit of small, practical improvements and integrate them into daily work.
The concept originates in postwar Japan, drawing on the Toyota Production System and broader Deming-inspired quality
Typical Kaizenkulturen emphasize long-term commitment and bottom-up improvement. They rely on daily problem solving, cross-functional teams,
Variations exist across sectors. Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and software development may develop distinct Kaizenkulturen depending on
Impact is often measured in reduced cycle times, fewer defects, improved delivery reliability, and higher employee