Search for the term “kaizen” online and the Japanese definition would invariably be “improvement” or “change for the better,” and it would refer to philosophies or practices that focus on continuous improvement of processes in manufacturing, engineering and business management.
Toyota’s strengths, and its efficiencies, cannot be understood or emulated outside the context of tradition–not Japan’s, but Toyota’s own. Inventor and Toyota Group founder Sakichi Toyoda’s “Precepts” have served as the backbone of the carmaker’s executive culture since its inception and, even today, guide decision-making at the top echelons.
See full story on inquirer.net