Cause and effect (Fishbone/ Ishikawa)diagram

What is it?
A cause and effect analysis helps to identify and show the relationships between the causes of a problem.
A cause and effect diagram (also known as a Fishbone/ Ishikawa diagram) is a visual method of recording
this data.

How can it help?

This technique helps you to think through the causes of a problem in a structured way.

When is it best used?

It is useful with subjective issues where the cause might be more difficult to determine eg. Why is there
inconsistency? Why is communication poor?
It can be useful to do this exercise with a group as it helps show

How does it work?

Identify the problem and place this in the box on the right. Try to describe the problem in as much
detail as possible who is involved, use data if necessary

Establish the key causes and use these as the branches of the diagram. The following headings are
commonly used but you can use any appropriate category:
o Equipment
o People
o Materials
o Methods
o Money

Under each key heading brainstorm the causes of that problem. This can be taken further to identify
causes of causes.

You can generate a computer version using Microsoft Word or Microsoft Visio.

Equipment needed

Pen and paper

Durham University Change Team, Cause and Effect Diagram v2 March 2012

Durham University Change Team, Cause and Effect Diagram v2 March 2012

Example of a cause and effect diagram

Equipment

Money
No access to
computer
system

Out of date
catalogues

Additional postage
costs

Prices can change

without notice

Delays in
processing orders
for new stock
Lack of enthusiasm
for task

Paper-based
system
Duplication of
effort

Waiting for
orders to be
approved
Method

Not enough
staff

Repetitiv
e task

People

Annual
leave

Sicknes
s

Durham University Change Team, Cause and Effect Diagram v2 March 2012