Increasing Productivity in the Malay Midwifery Entrepreneurial Sector in Kelantan Through Kaizen’s Theory

The performance of Bumiputera entrepreneurs within the midwifery sector attracts considerable public attention, particularly in the context of initiatives aimed at improving the economic prospects of rural communities. Various endeavors have been undertaken by all stakeholders to uphold service-oriented business domains rooted in heritage and tradition, with a specific focus on sectors like midwifery. Village midwife entrepreneurs are notably dedicated to ensuring the continuous relevance of their enterprises, thereby garnering community recognition over time. Their steadfast commitment to maintaining productivity and delivering services, while upholding traditional practices in the modern age, serves as a commendable aspiration. Consequently, an in-depth inquiry has been executed on midwife entrepreneurs situated in the Bachok district, aimed at discerning their embedded work culture and guaranteeing the enduring resonance of their services within the public sphere. This investigation establishes two principal objectives: (1) the identification of service categories offered by village midwives in the vicinity of Bachok, and (2) the analysis of the components encapsulated within the Kaizen theory (1986) within the purview of midwifery practices. The research progression was facilitated through qualitative methodologies, utilizing interview tools and focused group discussions. The application of the Kaizen theory (1986), pioneered by Masaki Imai, has been harnessed to further elucidate the work culture embraced by the collective of entrepreneurs, steering them toward desired levels of proficiency. The findings indicate that midwifery entrepreneurs within the Bachok district exhibit a notable level of commitment to safeguard the quality of services and productivity preferred to clientele, maintaining their pinnacle status. The incorporation of Kaizen theory components has demonstrated its potential in perpetuating their standing within the community, even amidst the multifaceted competition presented by contemporary and pioneering service providers.