1. – The Toyota Production System is unique through its upholding of four key ideals: Growth Mindset,
Scientific Approach, Accountability, and Simplicity.
Growth Mindset
Growth Mindset is Toyota’s philosophy in developing its most significant corporate asset: the
employees. Management in Toyota Production System empowers employees by giving them the power
of initiate change. Experimentation is promoted by referring to current tools and processes as
“countermeasures” rather than “solutions.” This implies the lack of finality, remove barriers for scrutiny
and endorsing experimentation to improve and grow further. Such tendency towards experimentation
exists in all levels of the organization.
The Toyota Production System further encourages Growth Mindset by training employees on the
process of experimentation. Employees are trained in experimentation and problem-solving through
training by their managers and external consultants. During the training, employees are often asked a
series of questions that unearth their implicit assumptions in experiments, leading to better insights
about their work. This enhances worker autonomy and motivation.
One possible outcome of a tightly controlled and defined work environment is monotony, which can
decrease worker morale. However, there is no evidence presented by the case indicating as such,
considering the high worker autonomy and cognitive engagement from the Growth Mindset adopted by
the Toyota Production System.
