Why improvement initiatives fail

So, I am left thinking. Why do so many performance enhancement, operational efficiency, or productivity improvement initiatives fail?

Firstly, as I noted in my previous article, it is not treated as a strategy; and it should be. Secondly, the prevailing culture does not encourage or reward the work required to change.

My experience has shown me that these two elements are the most important elements needed to create the awareness a change or improvement process requires. There is so much research and writings on change, that it should be clear that the authentic importance placed on any initiative will determine the energy it is given.