Kaizen as a Sustainability Approach for MSMEs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56456/jebdeker.v6i2.963Keywords:
Kaizen, MSME Sustainability, Continuous ImprovementAbstract
This study aims to develop a conceptual understanding of the role of the Kaizen philosophy in supporting the sustainability of MSMEs. The study was conducted using a narrative literature review with an integrative approach to two streams of literature that have developed in parallel: the Kaizen philosophy and the MSME sustainability literature. The synthesis results indicate that the Kaizen principles, the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, the participation of all organizational members, and a shared process orientation have a strong conceptual fit with the sustainability needs of MSMEs, particularly in terms of managing resource constraints, strengthening adaptability, and developing organizational capabilities. This study proposes a three-stage conceptual framework: the application of Kaizen principles in operational activities encourages the development of organizational capabilities, which in turn strengthens adaptability and contributes to the sustainability of MSMEs in a cyclical and cumulative manner. The findings of this study suggest that MSME development programs need to consider a more gradual and sustainable approach in line with the Kaizen principles. The resulting framework can serve as a reference for the government and supporting institutions in designing MSME development programs that are more realistic and aligned with the capacity of business actors.
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