The Toyota Way is our simple framework for applying Toyota’s Guiding Principles and building the kind of company we want to be. The Toyota Way defines the fundamental values and business methods all our people should apply in every aspect of their day-to-day work, at every level of the company, worldwide. It is the foundation of our corporate culture. We will continue to develop the Toyota Way to keep pace and remain effective and relevant in an ever-changing world, so we keep it under constant scrutiny to see how it can be developed and improved.

The Toyota Way is built on two pillars: Continuous Improvement, which takes in the concepts of Challenge, Kaizen and Genchi Genbutsu, and Respect for People, which embraces Respect and Teamwork.

Continuous improvement

Challenge

When we embrace a challenge we also commit ourselves to challenging what we know and do to complete it. This means we have to approach each challenge, not only with creativity, but also with courage.

Kaizen

Kaizen is the essence of continuous improvement. It is a way of thinking which encourages and empowers everyone to identify where and how even small changes can be made to benefit the business, their team or their individual performance.

Genchi Genbutsu

Genchi Genbutsu – “going to the source” – is about checking the facts yourself, so you can be sure you have the right information you need to make a good decision.

"Before you say you can't do something, try it"
Sakichi Toyoda

Respect for people

Respect

In our relationships with our colleagues and with others, it is important everyone is respected both for what they contribute and who they are. That includes their ideas and their cultural and personal beliefs. Through Respect we accept personal responsibility for what we do and build mutual trust and understanding with those around us. It is also central to our mission to build a diverse and sustainable workforce that reflects society around us and our changing customer base.

Teamwork

Successful teamwork is about everyone understanding our goals and working together to achieve them. Every member of a team is given the opportunity to do their best and the accountability to achieve results. That is true throughout our business, from the board room to the production line. We recognise that our people are our greatest asset. We strive to give them stable employment and, with the Toyota Way, the opportunities to develop their skills, responsibilities and commitment as individuals and committed team members.