Participatory Methods
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Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis
Duration
From 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the complexity of the problem, group size, and format.
Participants
From 6 to 15 people, although it can be adapted for larger groups by dividing them into smaller teams.
Areas of application
Educación y formaciónDesarrollo comunitarioGestión organizacional y empresarialPlanificación urbana y ruralSalud y bienestar socialArte, cultura y creatividadSostenibilidad y medio ambientePolíticas públicas y gobernanzaInnovación y diseñoInvestigación y evaluaciónResolución de conflictosTecnología y entornos digitalesParticipación ciudadana y social
Participation level
ColaboraciónEvaluación participativaGeneración de conocimiento
Target audience
EducadoresFacilitadoresEstudiantesLíderes comunitariosONGs y colectivos socialesEquipos empresarialesFuncionarios públicosDiseñadores creativosInvestigadores
Root Cause Analysis is a participatory activity designed to identify and analyze the underlying causes of a problem or potential risk. Using the fishbone diagram (or Ishikawa diagram), participants work together to break down contributing factors into specific categories. This allows teams to visualize connections and prioritize solutions effectively.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Establish the objective: Identify the causes of an existing problem? Prevent potential risks in a project?
  2. Prepare materials:
    • Physical format:
      • Large paper or whiteboards to draw the fishbone diagram.
      • Colored markers to differentiate categories.
      • Sticky notes for recording ideas.
    • Digital format:
      • Tools to design collaborative online diagrams.
  3. Define key categories:
    • Select relevant categories for the problem. Examples:
      • People
      • Processes
      • Materials
      • Equipment
      • Environment
  4. Organize the space:
    • In-person: Arrange workstations or a shared space where everyone can contribute to the diagram.
    • Virtual: Set up a shared digital board for collaboration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Introduce the purpose
    • Explain that the goal is to identify the primary causes of a problem or risk using a collaborative fishbone diagram.
    • Present the central problem or risk and ensure everyone understands it.
  2. Draw the base diagram
    • Draw a horizontal line to represent the main problem or risk.
    • Add diagonal lines extending from the main line for the predefined categories.
  3. Brainstorm within categories
    • Divide participants into small groups and assign each group a category.
    • Ask them to generate possible causes within their category and record them on sticky notes or a digital board.
  4. Build the diagram
    • Each group presents their ideas and places them on the fishbone diagram under the relevant category.
    • Facilitate a discussion to adjust or reorganize ideas if needed.
  5. Analyze key causes
    • Evaluate the identified causes to determine which are the most relevant or impactful.
    • Use techniques like voting, consensus, or impact assessment to prioritize.
  6. Define solutions or preventive actions
    • For the priority causes, work with participants to propose solutions or mitigation strategies.
  7. Closing and reflection
    • Summarize the key causes and proposed actions.
    • Reflect on how this analysis will help prevent or solve the problem.

Purpose

The purpose of Root Cause Analysis is to break down and visualize the underlying causes of a problem or risk, promoting reflection and strategic action to resolve or mitigate it.

Required materials

  • Large paper or whiteboards to draw the diagram.
  • Sticky notes or index cards to record ideas.
  • Markers or pens for writing.

Platforms

Practical recommendations

  • Clearly define the problem: Ensure all participants fully understand the central problem or risk.
  • Encourage collaboration: Foster dialogue and active participation during the brainstorming session.
  • Document the results: Take photos or save the digital diagram for use in solution implementation.
  • Prioritize causes: Focus on the most relevant or high-impact causes for further analysis.

Inspiration

Examples: