This research paper aimed to answer the question of what are the internal and external factors affecting the transferability and implementation of Kaizen in a non-Japanese culture? This study contributes to the limited literature of Kaizen practices and increases awareness of its efficacy on firm-level productivity for the developing country. A comprehensive systematic literature review and a questionnaire with industry experts have been used to define these factors. The study showed that top management commitment, employee participation, organizational culture, management enforcement (monitoring and control), employee personal initiative, management support, employees discipline and eagerness, organization structure and national culture and traditions are the most important factors in descending order. These factors should help an organization in the least developed countries to understand how to adopt and manage the Kaizen philosophy, and where to direct their effort and attention to improve productivity and minimize cost.