From trait anxiety to flow: a psychological pathway through kaizen-enabling behaviors

Purpose This study investigates the psychological mechanism through which individuals with high trait anxiety transform their anxiety into flow during kaizen-enabling activities. By examining the relationships between trait anxiety, self-efficacy and flow, the research reframes anxiety – typically regarded as detrimental – as a potential source of intrinsic motivation in continuous improvement contexts. Design/methodology/approach The study analyses survey data from 434 employees in Japanese manufacturing using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings The results indicate that individuals with higher trait anxiety are more likely to enter a flow state when they engage in kaizen-enabling behaviors. In this process, self-efficacy was found to moderate the effect of trait anxiety on standard-following behavior and increase the likelihood of experiencing flow at work. Originality/value This research contributes to a deeper theoretical understanding of how trait anxiety can support meaningful engagement in continuous improvement. Extending the work of Imai (1986), Parker and Slaughter (1988) and Yokozawa et al. (2021), highlighting anxiety as a driver of kaizen-enabling behavior and individual engagement.