Key facilitators to continuous improvement: a Spanish insight

Purpose The aim of this paper is to analyse the nature facilitators continuous improvement (CI), proposing a classification them and identifying different profiles companies based on them. Design/methodology/approach To achieve objective, first, literature review was done in order identify main facilitators; second, some were included survey experts' opinions; third, conducted amongst people responsible for implementing CI; finally factorial cluster analysis applied. Findings Based results, three factors identified: “cultural facilitators”, “tactical facilitators” “human resources involvement facilitators”. Additionally, five clusters defined. Practical implications As many still struggle when CI, results study can help all focus most important aspects guarantee sustainability CI system. Originality/value From theoretical point view, work contributes field by analysing find these initiatives. Thus, not only does provide hierarchy facilitators, but also classifies far as authors are concerned, first attempt categorise facilitators.