Which methodology emphasizes systematic and continual improvement through the involvement of all employees?

The methodology that emphasizes systematic and continual improvement through the involvement of all employees is Kaizen. Kaizen is a Japanese term that translates to "continuous improvement," and it involves all members of an organization, from executives to front-line workers, in identifying and implementing incremental changes that improve processes, products, and services.

Kaizen focuses on fostering a culture where employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas for improvement, reflecting the belief that those closest to the work are in the best position to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for enhancement. This collective effort not only promotes a sense of ownership among employees but also leads to more sustainable improvements across the organization.

In contrast, while Total Quality Management (TQM) and Six Sigma also aim for improvement and involve employee participation, they have more structured methodologies and frameworks that often rely heavily on specific tools and strategies. TQM is broader in philosophy and focuses on long-term success through customer satisfaction, while Six Sigma emphasizes reducing variation and defects through statistical analysis. ISO 9001, on the other hand, is a quality management standard that outlines requirements for a quality management system, but it does not specifically focus on continuous improvement through employee involvement in the same way that Kaizen does.