The notable point here is that making improvements is not
directly influenced by gaining recognition. It was not a stimulusresponse
type of relationship, where granting recognition immediately
causes the improvements to peak. The recognitions were awarded to
those who asked, rather than being bestowed by a committee appointed
to select the best. The implication is that the desire to gain recognition
appears to be the major motivator, which means more avenues should be
made available for providing recognition. When people know that a
marathon performance is not required to gain recognition by way of
some small award, they will be stimulated to make more of small
improvements, which is what kaizen is about