The Path to Operational Excellence: Implementing Kaizen Principles for Competitive Advantage. A Multiple Case Study

Purpose: This study aims to identify and analyze the key organizational factors that influence the practical implementation of Kaizen principles in Colombian agri-food companies. Using the Kaizen Maturity Model (KMM) as an analytical framework, the research examines how different managerial, operational, and cultural conditions shape the maturity of continuous improvement practices in an emerging economy context.
Design/methodology/approach: The research adopts a multiple case study approach to evaluate the maturity level of Kaizen principle (creating customer value, flow optimization, Gemba orientation, people empowerment, and scientific transparency) using the Kaizen Maturity Model (KMM). Real data were collected through interviews with managers, document analysis, and on-site observations conducted during plant visits, enabling a comparative analysis across four Colombian agri-food companies.
Findings: The findings reveal different levels of Kaizen maturity among the analyzed companies and highlight several factors that influence the practical implementation of continuous improvement practices according to Kaizen principles. In particular, limitations related to process flow management, Gemba-based leadership practices, and the use of data for problem solving were identified as key challenges. The results provide a detailed diagnosis of current practices and highlight opportunities to strengthen the integration of Kaizen principles within organizational routines.
Research limitations/implications: This study focuses on Colombian agri-food companies, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other industrial contexts or regions. Future research could expand the analysis to other sectors and countries in order to compare implementation factors and further refine the understanding of Kaizen maturity in different organizational environments.
Practical implications: The study provides a road map with a structured benchmarking perspective based on the Kaizen Maturity Model (KMM), enabling managers to identify critical gaps in the implementation of continuous improvement practices and to design targeted actions for strengthening operational excellence.
Social implications: By promoting a culture of continuous improvement, the adoption of Kaizen principles can contribute to improving organizational efficiency, greater employee involvement in problem-solving activities, and stronger alignment with broader societal expectations related to responsible and sustainable business practices.
Originality/value: This research contributes to the Kaizen and continuous improvement literature by providing empirical evidence on the factors influencing the practical implementation of Kaizen in an emerging economy context. The study extends the use of the Kaizen Maturity Model (KMM) as an analytical tool to assess implementation challenges and offers insights that may guide organizations seeking to strengthen their operational excellence capabilities.