<P> The Japanese word kaizen simply means `` change for better '' , with no inherent meaning of either `` continuous '' or `` philosophy '' in Japanese dictionaries or in everyday use . The word refers to any improvement , one - time or continuous , large or small , in the same sense as the English word `` improvement '' . However , given the common practice in Japan of labeling industrial or business improvement techniques with the word `` kaizen '' , particularly the practices spearheaded by Toyota , the word `` kaizen '' in English is typically applied to measures for implementing continuous improvement , especially those with a `` Japanese philosophy '' . The discussion below focuses on such interpretations of the word , as frequently used in the context of modern management discussions . Two kaizen approaches have been distinguished : </P>
<P> The Japanese word kaizen simply means `` change for better '' , with no inherent meaning of either `` continuous '' or `` philosophy '' in Japanese dictionaries or in everyday use . The word refers to any improvement , one - time or continuous , large or small , in the same sense as the English word `` improvement '' . However , given the common practice in Japan of labeling industrial or business improvement techniques with the word `` kaizen '' , particularly the practices spearheaded by Toyota , the word `` kaizen '' in English is typically applied to measures for implementing continuous improvement , especially those with a `` Japanese philosophy '' . The discussion below focuses on such interpretations of the word , as frequently used in the context of modern management discussions . Two kaizen approaches have been distinguished : </P>
is a japanese word meaning ​ change for the ​ better
is a japanese word meaning ​ change for the ​ better
kaizen
kaizen