Improving Kaizen Implementation in the Ghanaian Garment Production Industry: Prioritising Critical Success Factors

Purpose: To examine key performance indicators that motivate the adoption of the Kaizen concept, assess challenges encountered during the adoption and prioritise critical success factors for improved Kaizen implementation in garments producing MSEs in Ghana. Methodology/Design: The study adopted the positivism philosophy, which permitted a quantitative approach. An explanatory design was adopted for the study, and questionnaires were used in collecting data. The sample size was 204 respondents from 514 garment producers in MSEs in the Central region of Ghana. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences software (version 27). Findings: Key performance indicators (KPIs) that motivate garment producers in the Central region of Ghana to adopt the Kaizen concept are increasing productivity, reducing production costs and improving garment quality. However, challenges like an unstable electricity supply, worker resistance to change, and difficulties in sustaining Kaizen practices hinder progress toward achieving these KPIs. Leadership commitment, workers' training and development and physical work environment are critical success factors that need to be prioritised to improve the implementation and long-term success of Kaizen in the garment-producing industry. Practical and Social Implications: The findings of the study provide direction to MSEs on integrating Kaizen into their operations to achieve productivity and quality improvements while addressing systemic challenges like an unstable electricity supply and resistance to change. Improving workplace conditions through Kaizen practices can enhance employee well-being and job satisfaction, fostering a more engaged workforce. Additionally, providing training and development opportunities for garment producers helps in embracing the principles and practices of Kaizen. Originality: The study offers context-specific insights that address the key performance indicators that motivate Kaizen implementation in Ghanaian micro and small businesses (MSEs), in contrast to earlier research that has primarily concentrated on developed economies. Also, this study makes a unique contribution to the literature by identifying and prioritising critical success factors (CSFs) for Kaizen implementation within the context of Ghana’s garment industry. In addition, prior to this study, there was a paucity of literature regarding this topic in the study area.