A Typology of Continuous Improvement Implementation Processes

This article presents a typology of continuous improvement (CI) implementation processes. The typology is based on an empirical study of 26 companies engaged in the implementation of CI. The data underpinning the typology was collected through retrospective interviews guided by a semi-structured questionnaire. Four different approaches to implementing CI are identified, described and analysed. The resulting typology contributes to the development of CI implementation theory - an underdeveloped area of theory - and is useful for companies considering to engage in, or step up, their CI activities.