The aim of this paper is to identify and analyze critical factors in the development of continuous improvement (CI) activities in Brazilian manufacturing companies. A conceptual model of relationship between practices and results was tested through a survey conducted in 46 manufacturing companies. Factors such as: problems solving tools training, suggestion incentives, face-to-face communication, visits to the shop floor and adoption of incentive systems, have proved to be critical at reaching success in CI activities. Through factorial analysis, two critical constructs concerning continuous improvement process were identified: 1) promotion of continuous improvement through incentive mechanisms; and 2) High level management support and leadership and management active involvement. It was observed that there is a statistically meaningful relationship between the use of problem solving techniques and the incentive mechanisms in face of the companies' performance.
Continuous improvement; Critical factor; Factorial analysis
