# Hoshin Kanri

Operations · `Hoshin Kanri` · verification: source checked

Hoshin kanri, also called policy deployment or strategy deployment, is a management methodology for aligning an organization's functions and activities with its strategic objectives vertically and horizontally. It uses structured plan-do-check-act thinking to establish and execute strategic initiatives, with a typically annual plan containing goals, actions, timelines, responsibilities, and measures. It can involve catchball dialogue between senior managers and project teams to match available resources with desirable and achievable projects.

## Specification

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Kind | methodology |

## Study notes

- Also known as policy deployment and strategy deployment; synonyms include hoshin.
- Aligns functions and activities vertically from the CEO to the front line and horizontally across departments.
- Uses structured plan-do-check-act (PDCA) thinking to establish and execute strategic initiatives.
- Focuses on developing capability through strategic delegation of responsibility.
- May start as a top-down process; once major goals are set, it should become top-down and bottom-up.
- The dialogue between senior managers and project teams is often called catchball or nemawashi.
- A specific strategy deployment plan is typically annual with precise goals, actions, timelines, responsibilities, and measures.
- The objective is to match available resources with desirable projects so only projects that are desirable, important, and achievable are authorized.
- A3 problem-solving can be combined with hoshin kanri; the A3 report is a Toyota-pioneered practice of putting problem, analysis, corrective actions, and action plan on one sheet.
- A mature lean organization may call the process strategy alignment or policy management.
- Five myths of implementing strategy listed in the source are: execution equals alignment; execution means sticking to the plan; communication equals understanding; a performance culture drives execution; execution should be driven from the top.

## Sources

1. [Hoshin Kanri - Resource Guide | Lean Enterprise Institute](https://www.lean.org/lexicon-terms/hoshin-kanri/) (accessed 2026-10-25)
2. [Strategy Deployment - Lean Enterprise Institute](https://www.lean.org/lexicon-terms/strategy-deployment/) (accessed 2026-10-25)

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