kaizen

American  

[kahy-zen] / kaɪˈzɛn /

noun

1. a business philosophy or system that is based on making positive changes on a regular basis, as to improve productivity.

2. an approach to one’s personal or social life that focuses on continuous improvement.

---

kaizen British  

/ kaɪˈzɛn /

noun

1. a philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices that underlies total quality management and just-in-time business techniques

---

Usage

What is kaizen? Kaizen is a business philosophy based on making small, positive changes over time, such as for improving productivity.A Japanese concept, kaizen refers to taking small steps toward a goal over a longer period of time instead of taking big steps that may be difficult. Kaizen is most often practiced in businesses and the workplace, where the concept is used to increase profits by consistently and slowly improving productivity, a product, or something similar.Kaizen is also an approach to improving your own life by making one small change a day or spending a small amount of time, such as one minute a day, toward improvement. You might hear of people using kaizen to learn something, improve in a sport or hobby, or create healthier food habits. Many people like kaizen because it’s much easier to commit a small amount of time each day to slowly achieve a goal than it is to commit to a big change all at once.Example: Ever since I discovered the concept of kaizen, my work productivity has risen tenfold.

Etymology

Origin of kaizen

From Japanese: literally, “continuous improvement”

Example Sentences

While national aggregate retail-sales data remain weak and consumer confidence has stalled, fresh evidence shows that inland and lower-tier cities are outperforming in some of the categories and channels that matter for consumer-led growth, said Eduardo Brito, co-founder of China consultancy Gate Kaizen.

From Barron's

While national aggregate retail-sales data remain weak and consumer confidence has stalled, fresh evidence shows that inland and lower-tier cities are outperforming in some of the categories and channels that matter for consumer-led growth, said Eduardo Brito, co-founder of China consultancy Gate Kaizen.

From Barron's

But inside the walls of Kaizen Martial Arts & Fitness, in a program known as Kaizen Kinetics, they are heavyweight champs.

From Los Angeles Times

The 83 tough souls who t pay $179 a month to battle in the Kaizen Kinetics program agree.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time I worked up the courage to fully face my illness and call the number on the pamphlet two years ago, Kaizen had become an independent program with a similar focus on boxing.

From Los Angeles Times