Continual improvement is a broader concept that includes continuous improvement as a subset.

 Continual improvement is a broader concept that includes continuous improvement as a subset. Both terms refer to ongoing efforts to improve processes, products, and services. 

Continual improvement

Continuous improvement

Focus

Holistic and transformative

Incremental and linear

Approach

Series of steps with breaks in between

Uninterrupted process

Goal

Create a culture of learning and adaptability

Refine processes, products, and services

How continual and continuous improvement work

Continual improvement

Involves planning and taking steps, then checking progress. This approach allows organizations to plan and assess, and to make better decisions about how to proceed. 

Continuous improvement

Involves making small and manageable changes to existing processes. This approach allows organizations to steadily refine practices and processes over time. 

Both terms are often used interchangeably because they both aim for incremental enhancement over time.