Baldrige and Continuous Improvement Conflict

Baldrige's Conflicting Definitions for "Continuous Improvement"

Both the ASQ and Baldrige definitions for 'continuous improvement' include 'breakthrough improvement' . . . but, as of January 2015, Baldrige excludes 'breakthrough improvement' from its definition of 'continuous improvement'.

These conflicting definitions are listed below for reference.

• ASQ Definition: Continuous improvement (CI): Sometimes called continual improvement. The ongoing improvement of products, services or processes through incremental and 'breakthrough' improvements

• Baldrige Definition: "The term "continuous improvement" refers to both incremental and "breakthrough" improvement.

• January 6, 2015 Baldrige 'Blogridge' Article Definition: "Continuous improvement involves the ongoing improvements to processes and products that result in incremental improvements, cost savings, and productivity enhancements. Continuous improvement is part of everyone’s job in a high performing organization. Note: This new definition relegates breakthrough improvement' to its 'innovation' definition.