An Introduction to the Cause and Effect Diagram

An Introduction to the Cause and Effect Diagram

Also called the Ishikawa or fishbone diagram, the cause and effect diagram is a graphical tool that enables a team to identify, categorize, and examine possible causes related to an issue. The intent is to expose the most likely root causes for further investigation.

This diagram is part of a complex failure analysis process when there are many potential causes for the problem or condition. Similar to a brainstorm session about the problem, this graphical tool provides a bit of structure and may prompt additional potential causes.

The Ishikawa diagram is one of the seven basic tools of quality control.

Benefits of a Cause and Effect Diagram

There are four significant benefits to using a fishbone diagram with a team, or even on your own.

1. It helps to avoid anchoring. One issue with any brainstorming process is the early ideas become a focal point for future ideas. The fishbone diagram starts with categories of potential causes. This helps you and the team think about the range of different potential causes of the problem.
2. It is visual. This process is inherently visual and uses a simple branching structure to…