Kaizen: The Philosophy of Continuous Improvement II UPSC

Description

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Context:

Many East Asian companies such as Samsung and Maruti utilise a Kaizen approach of continuous improvement, which leads to intense work conditions and strict deadlines.

Kaizen

*What Is Kaizen?*	The word kaizen in Japanese means "change for the better." It is basically a Japanese business philosophy that encourages continuous improvement among employees at different levels of a company.
*Principles*	The kaizen aims to make small changes over a period of time to drive continuous improvement within a company. Its main principle revolves around the philosophy that small changes now can add up to huge impacts in the future. It aims to make the work environment more efficient by creating an encouraging team atmosphere, improving processes and procedures, and making jobs more fulfilling, less tiring, and safer.
*Philosophy*	The Kaizen rests on a philosophy that everyone has a stake in the company's success and everyone must work hard, at all times, towards the success of the business. Other philosophies are: Know your customer/Identifying customer better Eliminating waste, or non-value-adding activities, from the workflow Empower people and employees Be transparent
*Benefits*	Kaizen leads to better quality control, efficient processes, and the elimination of time wastage, among other benefits. Other benefits include: Increased productivity Reduced waste Better management of resources Improved quality Better safety Lower costs Greater customer satisfaction Improved cooperation and communication Higher employee satisfaction and morale
*Case of Kaizen in Toyota*	Toyota has long employed kaizen as one of its core values. Toyota encourages all employees to identify areas of potential improvement and provide viable solutions. Apart from this, the Kaizen Method has been widely adopted by multiple organizations, which includes Honda, Sony, Toshiba, Canon, Nissan, and many other automotive, technology, and manufacturing companies

Important Japanese Philosophies

*Ikigai*	Ikigai is a Japanese concept that signifies an individual's reason for being. It involves identifying a purpose in life that combines passion, talent, societal need, and financial reward. Finding one's ikigai is believed to bring satisfaction and meaning to life.
*Oubaitori*	Oubaitori means never comparing oneself to others. This concept emphasizes that, like different trees that grow in unique ways, every individual blossoms at their own pace and in their own manner. It encourages self-acceptance and personal growth without external comparisons.
*Wabi-sabi*	Wabi-sabi is the aesthetic appreciation of imperfection and transience. It acknowledges the beauty found in things that are flawed or incomplete, and it encourages acceptance of natural cycles of growth and decay. This philosophy celebrates authenticity and the unique qualities of individuals.
*Mottainai*	Mottainai conveys a sense of respect for resources and a belief that nothing should be wasted. It highlights the importance of gratitude for all things and encourages practices of reducing, reusing, and recycling to honor the value of resources.
*Kintsugi*	Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer, symbolizing the beauty of flaws. This practice celebrates the history and imperfections of objects. It teaches that our own flaws can enhance our beauty and value.
*Gaman*	Gaman means enduring difficult situations with patience and dignity. It embodies resilience and self-control during challenging times. Thus it is about emotional maturity and a commitment to overcoming adversity without losing composure.

Sources:

THE HINDU

TECH TARGET

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the “Kaizen” recently seen in the news:

It is basically a Japanese business philosophy that encourages continuous improvement among employees of a company.
It aims to make small changes over a period of time.
The philosophy prioritises the individual growth of employees over the company’s growth.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 Only

B. 2 and 3 Only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1,2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

The word kaizen in Japanese means "change for the better."

It is basically a Japanese business philosophy that encourages continuous improvement among employees at different levels of a company.

Statement 2 is correct:

The kaizen aims to make small changes over a period of time to drive continuous improvement within a company.

Its main principle revolves around the philosophy that small changes now can add up to huge impacts in the future.

It aims to make the work environment more efficient by creating an encouraging team atmosphere, improving processes and procedures, and making jobs more fulfilling, less tiring, and safer.

Statement 3 is incorrect:

The Kaizen rests on a philosophy that everyone has a stake in the company's success and everyone must work hard, at all times, towards the success of the business.