Experts within kaizen teams: how to get the most from their knowledge

• Published in: Development and learning in organizations 2010-06, Vol.24 (4), p.10-13
• Main Authors: Sandoval-Arzaga, Fernando, Suárez-Barraza, Manuel F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Experts; Kaizen; Knowledge; Learning; Management; Managers; Mathematical analysis; Methodology; Organizational learning; Organizations; Product development; R&D; Research & development; Strategy; Studies; Tasks; Teams; Teamwork; Total quality
• ISSN: 1477-7282; 1758-6097
• DOI: 10.1108/14777281011056703

Purpose - One of the main problems for managers is forming work groups where experts' knowledge is truly utilized in order to successfully solve the task assigned. The question that arises is: "How can expert knowledge be best utilized for different types of teams?" The purpose of this article is to explore and describe how experts' knowledge is deployed in a specific context, as with Kaizen teams.Design methodology approach - This study used a qualitatively based interpretive methodology, applying the case study as a research strategy through a dual design, which combines longitudinal and retrospective studies.Findings - As a result of the conclusions from the field study, a set of practical recommendations is presented here that can be useful for general and middle management involved in improvement and innovation efforts.Research limitations implications - This study is supported in the context of three case studies. Therefore does not seek the empirical generalization but analytical generalization.Practical implications - As a result of the conclusions from the field study, a set of practical recommendations is presented here that can be useful for general and middle management involved in improvement and innovation efforts.Social implications - Sharing knowledge and promoting organizational learning goes beyond individual benefits and the organization to have an impact on society as it promotes dialogue, collaboration and respect as a way to solve problems and propose solutions.Originality value - Amplifying knowledge deployment between the expert and the apprentice in a Kaizen context is one of the unexplored topics in literature on continuous innovation and knowledge management.