The KAIZEN™ Awards offer an exceptional opportunity for organizations to assess and improve their practices based on universally applicable KAIZEN™ principles. Beyond benchmarking and recognition, the real value lies in fostering international collaboration and building a global network of passionate companies dedicated to continuous improvement.

In this interview, Kimmo Järvinen, Director of Operational Excellence at Kaizen Institute and Chairman of the KAIZEN™ Awards assessment team, shares insights into how the award process strengthens the global KAIZEN™ community, creating an inspiring platform for companies of all sizes and industries.

Kimmo, could you give us an overview of how the KAIZEN™ Award program works?

Sure. The KAIZEN™ Award program starts at the local level, where business units in different countries run their own award events. They select the best out of the best at the local level—though we avoid calling it a “competition” because everyone who participates is a winner. The local winners are then nominated to compete at the international level. This year, we have nominees from 15 countries participating in the global award.

You mentioned avoiding the term “competition.” Why is that?

The idea is that everyone gains something valuable just by participating. It’s not about creating winners and losers—it’s about sharing best practices and celebrating the efforts of all participants. The KAIZEN™ principles are applicable to everyone, regardless of whether a company is a customer of Kaizen Institute or not. This inclusive spirit helps us build a community where everyone feels recognized and proud of their improvements.

What makes the global award process special compared to the local programs?

The global level brings together companies from different countries, creating a truly global community of excellence. These companies have the chance to present their achievements, learn from each other, and exchange best practices. It’s a unique opportunity to meet passionate KAIZEN™ practitioners from around the world, and in many cases, even form lasting relationships that lead to visits and collaborations across countries.

Can you elaborate on how the assessment process works at the global level?

Each local winner submits a detailed report, which is assessed by a global team of jurors. We use a standardized set of assessment criteria based on five KAIZEN™ principles: (1) Create customer value; (2) let it flow; (3) be Gemba-oriented; (4) empower people; (5) be scientific and transparent. The scoring is from one to five, and each principle has more detailed questions to evaluate maturity levels. We also avoid a “Eurovision effect” by ensuring that jurors do not assess nominees from their own nor neighboring countries.

What are some of the benefits companies gain from participating in the KAIZEN™ Awards, even if they don’t win?

Participating helps companies gain an external perspective on their practices, allowing them to understand their strengths and areas for improvement. More importantly, the award events, especially at the global level, create a platform where companies learn from each other. For example, we’ve seen nominees from different countries invite each other for visits. It’s about knowledge sharing and building a global network of KAIZEN™-driven organizations.

You mentioned that some participants aren’t customers of Kaizen Institute. How does that work?

Yes, that’s correct. The KAIZEN™ Awards are open to everyone, regardless of whether they are our clients or not. The principles we use are universally applicable and valid foundation for all organizations on their KAIZEN™ journey—anyone who embraces these principles can participate. We even have external assessors, such as university professors and independent experts, to ensure the process is inclusive and unbiased.

What kind of companies participate in the Global KAIZEN™ Awards? Is there a specific type that stands out?

We have a wide variety of participants—from small local companies to large multinationals. The beauty of KAIZEN™ principles is that they apply equally well to a local wine producer as they do to a large international company’s worldwide KAIZEN™ program. The criteria ensure that companies of all sizes and industries are assessed fairly, which means even a small business can be recognized globally for their excellence.

Can you share an example of how international collaboration has been fostered through the award process?

Absolutely. During the global events, we’ve seen companies exchange ideas that go beyond the formal presentations. For instance, we had cases where nominees built strong connections. It’s inspiring to see this kind of cross-border collaboration—companies from completely different industries and regions learning and growing together because they share the same commitment to Continuous Improvement.

How have you standardized the assessment process to ensure consistency across countries?

Initially, we faced some challenges in comparing nominees from different countries because the local assessments varied. Over the past few years, we have worked hard to standardize the criteria so that every nominee is assessed in the same way, using the same scoring system. This makes the process more efficient and fairer, and it allows us to identify the most successful KAIZEN™ implementers globally.

What is your vision for the future of the KAIZEN™ Awards?

My hope is that the KAIZEN™ Awards continue to grow as a global movement. We are seeing more business units wanting to organize their local programs because they see the value in building a community of like-minded companies. It’s not just about the award—it’s about creating a global network of passionate, committed organizations that continuously improve and share their knowledge. I think that’s the real power of what we’re doing here.

Understanding the detailed assessment criteria behind the Global KAIZEN™ Award is essential for organizations aiming to grow in Continuous Improvement. These criteria provide a clear framework for evaluating performance and identifying opportunities for growth. Click here to access a simplified overview of the key criteria used in the global award assessment and learn how your organization can apply these principles for lasting success.