Does Kaizen apply to Innovation in Local Government

Summary:

Kaizen is a "people oriented" approach to continuous improvement and cultural change. Is this what we need in government

Does Kaizen apply to Innovation in Local Government

MatrixIP 11 Nov 2010 00:42

The Kaizen Approach

This people oriented approach to continuous improvement and cultural change has had a sustained impact of Japanese business practices and Japanese company longevity.
It seems like a simple approach that would apply to change management/cultural change in government.

A very good and concise description of Kaizen is available at the 12Manage site;
http://www.12manage.com/methods_kaizen.html

Kaizen means literally "Change (kai) to become good (zen)" and seems to have some very good and appropriate features for governement;

1. Simple to understand
2. Simple to apply
3. Small steps approach
4. People oriented
5. Elimination of waste
6. A proven framework
7. Continuous improvement
8. Standardisation
9. Embedded processes

There are five foundation elements;

1. Teamwork
2. Personal discipline
3. Improved morale
4. Quality circles
5. Suggestions for improvement

Can you see Kaizen being applied in your area of government.

Last edited on 11 Nov 2010 00:43 by MatrixIP Show more