Hoshin Kanri - Translation

Hoshin Kanri is a proven technique that helps organizations focus effort on the critical few initiatives and achieve results. TQE provides software, training, and handbooks to facilitate your Hoshin implementation.

Understanding the origin of the words can provide insight into Hoshin concepts. The term Hoshin is short for hoshin kanri. The word hoshin can be broken into two parts. The literal translation of ho is direction. The literal translation of shin is needle, so the word hoshin could translate into direction needle or the English equivalent of compass. The word kanri can also be broken into two parts. The first part, kan, translates into control or channeling. The second part, ri, translates into reason or logic. Taken altogether, hoshin kanri means management and control of the organization's direction needle or focus.

hoshin = a course, a policy, a plan, an aim

kanri = administration, management, control, charge of, care for

The most popular English translation of Hoshin is Policy Deployment. Most books by American authors use Policy Deployment as the name for Hoshin. No matter what you call it, Hoshin is effective and helps organizations become more competitive.

Source: Hoshin Handbook by Pete Babich.