The role of NGOs in linking waste management and talent education within the framework of the Shingo model

Abstract Sustainable waste management and talent education play a transformative role in achieving environmental resilience. NGOs become vital actors in connecting community empowerment and principle-based management. However, studies rarely link NGOs’ sustainability programs with structured excellence models such as the Shingo framework. This study introduces a novel approach by applying the Shingo Model to evaluate the performance of NGOs in green talent education and waste innovation. Mixed data from 30 NGOs in Central Java and Yogyakarta were analyzed using non-parametric correlation tests and stakeholder perception mapping. Findings show that respect for people, continuous improvement, and people development significantly strengthen community participation, innovation, and education outcomes. The study contributes theoretically by extending the Shingo Model into non-profit sustainability contexts, providing practical insights for NGOs to design value-driven and measurable environmental programs.