The Japanese word kaizen means "change for better", inherent meaning of either "continuous" or "philosophy" in Japanese dictionaries.

 
Instead of encouraging large, radical changes to achieve desired goals, the method recommends that organizations introduce small improvements, preferably ones that could be implemented on the same day. 

The 5 Kaizen principles developed by Toyota are: “Know your Customer”, “Let it Flow”, “Go to Gemba”, “Empower People” and “Be Transparent”.

​

The implementation of those 5 principles in any organization is fundamentally important for a successful Continuous Improvement culture and to mark a turning point in the progression of quality, productivity, and labour-management relations.

“Five S” of Kaizen is a systematic approach which leads to fool proof systems, standard policies, rules, and regulations to give rise to a healthy work culture at the organization:

 

Sort-out (Japanese: SEIRI)

Actors should sort out and organize things well. Label the items as “Necessary”, ”Critical”, ”Most Important”, “Not needed now”, “Useless and so on. Objective is to throw what all is useless and keep aside what all is not needed now. Items which are critical and most important should be kept at a safe place.

Set (Japanese: SEITION) 

In other word, organize. Most people waste half of their time searching for something (documents, parts, etc..) Every element should have its own space and must be kept there 

Shine (Japanese: SEISO) 

Your workplace must be kept clean. You will not spot an oil leak in an untidy workshop where the oil is leaking onto the absorbent granules still there from the last leak. But in a tidy, newly painted work shop the same leak will stand out like a sore thumb enabling you to act before the leak becomes a more serious condition.

Standardize (Japanese: SEIKETSU-SEIKETSU)

Every organization needs to have certain standard rules and set policies to ensure superior quality.
Creativity mostly flourishes within an environment under control. If you brain is continuously busy by trying to solve endless challenges, it will be hard to think positive 

​

Self-Discipline (Japanese: SHITSUKE)

Self-discipline is essential. It gives you a sense of pride and respect for the organization. It is your ability to control yourself and to make yourself work hard or behave in a particular way without needing anyone else to tell you what to do. It is about self-control, self-regulation, willpower, resolve, determination, and drive. It is how you get yourself to do to move forward and excel in life.