5 Whys And The Fish Bone Theory: A Quick Way To Find Solutions
Chezuba
October 25, 2022
As you go about your daily operations, you are bound to hit a few snags. Any organization or strategy could run into unforeseen issues. Problems, however, are just indications of more serious problems. Finding a quick fix to your issues can help you in the short run, but to shield your workflow from persistent errors, you will need to take a deep dive into the problems plaguing your organization. The most viable solution is to focus on finding the root problem and appropriately addressing it.
It takes time and wastes valuable resources to handle the same issue repeatedly if it keeps coming up. The problem is that the underlying cause is not being found or dealt with. If you are only treating a symptom of the issue, you are not addressing the underlying cause. Additionally, if a long-term fix is not found and put into place, the issue will recur eventually. There is a straightforward tool that can assist in preventing recurring issues. The 5 Whys is this tool.
One of the most powerful root cause analysis methods in the management toolbox is the five whys technique. Every team, by applying the 5 Whys, can identify the source of any problem and protect the operation from repeating errors and failures.
Origin of the 5 Whys
Mr. Sakichi Toyoda, one of the founding fathers of Japan's industrial revolution and the creator of Toyota Industries, conceptualized the 5 Whys method in the 1930s. Toyota and numerous other major businesses and organizations still employ this strategy today. The 5 whys method first gained popularity in the 1970s.
Making an informed choice is one of the crucial components of the technique's successful application. This implies that the decision-making process must be grounded in a precise understanding of what transpires on the work front.
In other words, people with real-world experience should be a part of the root cause analysis process. They should be able to provide you with the most useful knowledge on any issue that arises in their field of expertise.
Application of the 5 Whys Analysis
The 5 Whys process uses a process of posing the question ‘why’ 5 times and answering those questions till the root cause of the problem is established or there is no way further. The benchmark is 5, but this number can be more or less based on the problem and situation at hand.
Define the Problem
The first step during a root cause investigation is to clearly define the problem and develop a clear and concise problem statement. This process should be done with the least amount of bias. The team should also determine the scope of the problem to be addressed.
The gravitas of the scope does play an important role and identifying this is crucial. When larger, broader improvements are required, the issue-solving exercise may produce tiny benefits if the scope is too limited. On the other hand, identifying the issue too broadly could make it take longer to find a solution and produce ideas that might not match the organizational mission or strategy and may never be implemented. When you spend the time to define the issue clearly, it makes the whole process much easier and less convoluted
Address the ‘Whys’
It is important to let one person take the lead in answering the whys. This way everyone involved in the process can be up to date and the process can carry on without many hiccups. The number of whys should be based on the answer that resolves the question of why the problem might have occurred and further justification isn’t required.
Note: You don't necessarily have to ask "Why" five times. The third or fourth "Why" could reveal the underlying cause. Getting past the problem's symptoms and the source of the issue may also take longer than five times. In addition, by the third, fourth, or fifth "Why," you may have found a systemic issue or a managerial technique to be the root of the problem.
Determine and carry out corrective measures
A list of relevant corrective activities for each root cause should be established after the root cause has been identified. 5 Developing action plans to fix the issue and brainstorming remedies to the underlying reasons is a beneficial technique. How might this cause be stopped or found? Ask "How" again and again until you find the answer that addresses the fundamental issue.
Regular team meetings should be held to update everyone on the progress of the actions until they are all finished executing the solutions. The effectiveness of the suggested actions should be assessed after they have been carried out. To verify the efficacy of any improvements, the process could be tracked and measured using statistical process control (SPC), part inspection, or other techniques.
An example of 5 whys
This is an example of the 5 Whys in action.
Problem statement – We didn’t send the latest newsletter to our donors on time.
Why didn’t we send the newsletter on time? Because the template was not ready on time
Why was the template not ready on time? Because the designer received the email content late
Why was the email content not ready? Because the content writer couldn’t finish the newsletter on time.
Why did the content writer take so long? Because she had to wait for the financial data.
Why did she have to wait for the financial data? Because a proper account wasn’t being recorded.
The problem's root causes are made clear. There is a good chance that addressing the core problem will automatically resolve all of the factors that contributed to the final answer.
Tools for five whys
The Five Whys test can be completed simply by writing it down on a sheet of paper. The fishbone diagram, however, can be helpful in the early stages of problem identification. The diagram can highlight issues requiring closer examination using the five whys. The relationships between the underlying causes and their effects may then all be gathered, and you can assess which of them had the biggest influence on the initial issue.
The 5 Whys with respect to NGOs
With respect to your NGO and how you can create a system of measurement, a simple and non-scientific way would be to consider why you are doing what you are doing. Asking this simple question will help you understand your short-term and medium-term outcomes. Once this is figured out, you can move on to asking why your participants want to participate in your organization; considering that their whys might be different from your whys. Trying to understand why your participants are interested in engaging with you will be a good factor to keep in mind while measuring your outcomes.
Similarly, your funders' reasons for wanting to invest in your organization might be different, so asking ‘why’ they are interested in funding you will be a good way for you to set goals for your organization and review the direction you are headed in. If you are able to understand what it is that your partners expect and analyze whether your programs are tailored to have an outcome that aligns with their expectations, communicating them would prove to be a point of measurement. As Sheri Chaney Jones of SureImpact said, “The most powerful metrics are those that will speak to your whys, your participants whys, and your funders whys.”
What is the Fishbone diagram?
The Ishikawa Diagram, commonly referred to as the Fishbone Diagram, is a visual method of problem-solving developed by Japanese quality control specialist Kaoru Ishikawa. The Fishbone Diagram is a useful tool for the causal analysis of organizational processes. It helps people find potential causes of issues and is a particularly useful brainstorming tool when there is a block in problem-solving or when there is a lack of quantitative data.
Though the diagram is primarily used in manufacturing, healthcare sectors, and labs, to measure and point out cause-effect relationships, it also aids in problem-solving to perfection by identifying the main causes, and contributing elements, and analyzing them. The diagrams aid in focusing teams' efforts on problem-solving by providing answers to queries about the main cause of an occurrence or the variables that contribute the greatest variability in a system.
Creating a fishbone diagram
By drawing a fishbone diagram, it is possible to identify the fundamental cause of an issue, hidden linkages between causes and effects, process bottlenecks, and potential improvement areas. Below is a description of how to make a fishbone diagram.
Identify the problem statement: The concerned members and stakeholders should decide on a problem statement first. This statement is displayed at the top of the illustration (fishbone skeleton). The diagram will have an arrow horizontally pointing to the head (the fish backbone).
Brainstorm the main reasons for the problem: To help with the brainstorming process, the 6Ms framework is used to classify the causes of the issue like manpower, method, machine, material, medium, and measurement. Arrows pointing to the fish's backbone are represented as the bones of the categories.
Identify all potential causes: The analysis team should identify contributing causes for each main cause category using root cause analysis techniques like the 5 Whys. On the diagram, these are shown as branches of the fish's bones. When sub-causes are identified, layered bones are created that illustrate the causal relationships.
Analyze the diagram: Using why-questions, the team examines all significant and supporting causes. The brainstorming process shifts to sections of the diagram with fewer ideas if the underlying cause of the reported problem is still unidentified.
Example of a Fishbone Diagram
To Conclude
Tools such as 5 whys and the fishbone theory are helpful when it comes to identifying a challenge and rooting it out. But you don’t have to sweat out a solution alone.
Chezuba is a platform that connects talented individuals who want to do their part for the betterment of society. With over 3000 successful projects completed for a wide array of nonprofits’ needs, you can find an online volunteer to help you with the problem-solving process for free. Sign up with Chezuba as a nonprofit today and watch your nonprofit flourish.
Discover nine effective strategies to promote employee volunteering and giving programs within your organization with our insightful blog
October 25, 2022
5 Whys And The Fish Bone Theory: A Quick Way To Find Solutions
As we go about your daily operations, we are bound to hit few snags. Finding a quick fix to these issues can help in the short run, but the most viable solution is to focus on finding the root problem and address it. Let's learn how using the 5 Whys Tool.
As you go about your daily operations, you are bound to hit a few snags. Any organization or strategy could run into unforeseen issues. Problems, however, are just indications of more serious problems. Finding a quick fix to your issues can help you in the short run, but to shield your workflow from persistent errors, you will need to take a deep dive into the problems plaguing your organization. The most viable solution is to focus on finding the root problem and appropriately addressing it.
It takes time and wastes valuable resources to handle the same issue repeatedly if it keeps coming up. The problem is that the underlying cause is not being found or dealt with. If you are only treating a symptom of the issue, you are not addressing the underlying cause. Additionally, if a long-term fix is not found and put into place, the issue will recur eventually. There is a straightforward tool that can assist in preventing recurring issues. The 5 Whys is this tool.
One of the most powerful root cause analysis methods in the management toolbox is the five whys technique. Every team, by applying the 5 Whys, can identify the source of any problem and protect the operation from repeating errors and failures.
Origin of the 5 Whys
Mr. Sakichi Toyoda, one of the founding fathers of Japan's industrial revolution and the creator of Toyota Industries, conceptualized the 5 Whys method in the 1930s. Toyota and numerous other major businesses and organizations still employ this strategy today. The 5 whys method first gained popularity in the 1970s.
Making an informed choice is one of the crucial components of the technique's successful application. This implies that the decision-making process must be grounded in a precise understanding of what transpires on the work front.
In other words, people with real-world experience should be a part of the root cause analysis process. They should be able to provide you with the most useful knowledge on any issue that arises in their field of expertise.
Application of the 5 Whys Analysis
The 5 Whys process uses a process of posing the question ‘why’ 5 times and answering those questions till the root cause of the problem is established or there is no way further. The benchmark is 5, but this number can be more or less based on the problem and situation at hand.
Define the Problem
The first step during a root cause investigation is to clearly define the problem and develop a clear and concise problem statement. This process should be done with the least amount of bias. The team should also determine the scope of the problem to be addressed.
The gravitas of the scope does play an important role and identifying this is crucial. When larger, broader improvements are required, the issue-solving exercise may produce tiny benefits if the scope is too limited. On the other hand, identifying the issue too broadly could make it take longer to find a solution and produce ideas that might not match the organizational mission or strategy and may never be implemented. When you spend the time to define the issue clearly, it makes the whole process much easier and less convoluted
Address the ‘Whys’
It is important to let one person take the lead in answering the whys. This way everyone involved in the process can be up to date and the process can carry on without many hiccups. The number of whys should be based on the answer that resolves the question of why the problem might have occurred and further justification isn’t required.
Note: You don't necessarily have to ask "Why" five times. The third or fourth "Why" could reveal the underlying cause. Getting past the problem's symptoms and the source of the issue may also take longer than five times. In addition, by the third, fourth, or fifth "Why," you may have found a systemic issue or a managerial technique to be the root of the problem.
Determine and carry out corrective measures
A list of relevant corrective activities for each root cause should be established after the root cause has been identified. 5 Developing action plans to fix the issue and brainstorming remedies to the underlying reasons is a beneficial technique. How might this cause be stopped or found? Ask "How" again and again until you find the answer that addresses the fundamental issue.
Regular team meetings should be held to update everyone on the progress of the actions until they are all finished executing the solutions. The effectiveness of the suggested actions should be assessed after they have been carried out. To verify the efficacy of any improvements, the process could be tracked and measured using statistical process control (SPC), part inspection, or other techniques.
An example of 5 whys
This is an example of the 5 Whys in action.
Problem statement – We didn’t send the latest newsletter to our donors on time.
Why didn’t we send the newsletter on time? Because the template was not ready on time
Why was the template not ready on time? Because the designer received the email content late
Why was the email content not ready? Because the content writer couldn’t finish the newsletter on time.
Why did the content writer take so long? Because she had to wait for the financial data.
Why did she have to wait for the financial data? Because a proper account wasn’t being recorded.
The problem's root causes are made clear. There is a good chance that addressing the core problem will automatically resolve all of the factors that contributed to the final answer.
Tools for five whys
The Five Whys test can be completed simply by writing it down on a sheet of paper. The fishbone diagram, however, can be helpful in the early stages of problem identification. The diagram can highlight issues requiring closer examination using the five whys. The relationships between the underlying causes and their effects may then all be gathered, and you can assess which of them had the biggest influence on the initial issue.
The 5 Whys with respect to NGOs
With respect to your NGO and how you can create a system of measurement, a simple and non-scientific way would be to consider why you are doing what you are doing. Asking this simple question will help you understand your short-term and medium-term outcomes. Once this is figured out, you can move on to asking why your participants want to participate in your organization; considering that their whys might be different from your whys. Trying to understand why your participants are interested in engaging with you will be a good factor to keep in mind while measuring your outcomes.
Similarly, your funders' reasons for wanting to invest in your organization might be different, so asking ‘why’ they are interested in funding you will be a good way for you to set goals for your organization and review the direction you are headed in. If you are able to understand what it is that your partners expect and analyze whether your programs are tailored to have an outcome that aligns with their expectations, communicating them would prove to be a point of measurement. As Sheri Chaney Jones of SureImpact said, “The most powerful metrics are those that will speak to your whys, your participants whys, and your funders whys.”
What is the Fishbone diagram?
The Ishikawa Diagram, commonly referred to as the Fishbone Diagram, is a visual method of problem-solving developed by Japanese quality control specialist Kaoru Ishikawa. The Fishbone Diagram is a useful tool for the causal analysis of organizational processes. It helps people find potential causes of issues and is a particularly useful brainstorming tool when there is a block in problem-solving or when there is a lack of quantitative data.
Though the diagram is primarily used in manufacturing, healthcare sectors, and labs, to measure and point out cause-effect relationships, it also aids in problem-solving to perfection by identifying the main causes, and contributing elements, and analyzing them. The diagrams aid in focusing teams' efforts on problem-solving by providing answers to queries about the main cause of an occurrence or the variables that contribute the greatest variability in a system.
Creating a fishbone diagram
By drawing a fishbone diagram, it is possible to identify the fundamental cause of an issue, hidden linkages between causes and effects, process bottlenecks, and potential improvement areas. Below is a description of how to make a fishbone diagram.
Identify the problem statement: The concerned members and stakeholders should decide on a problem statement first. This statement is displayed at the top of the illustration (fishbone skeleton). The diagram will have an arrow horizontally pointing to the head (the fish backbone).
Brainstorm the main reasons for the problem: To help with the brainstorming process, the 6Ms framework is used to classify the causes of the issue like manpower, method, machine, material, medium, and measurement. Arrows pointing to the fish's backbone are represented as the bones of the categories.
Identify all potential causes: The analysis team should identify contributing causes for each main cause category using root cause analysis techniques like the 5 Whys. On the diagram, these are shown as branches of the fish's bones. When sub-causes are identified, layered bones are created that illustrate the causal relationships.
Analyze the diagram: Using why-questions, the team examines all significant and supporting causes. The brainstorming process shifts to sections of the diagram with fewer ideas if the underlying cause of the reported problem is still unidentified.
Example of a Fishbone Diagram
To Conclude
Tools such as 5 whys and the fishbone theory are helpful when it comes to identifying a challenge and rooting it out. But you don’t have to sweat out a solution alone.
Chezuba is a platform that connects talented individuals who want to do their part for the betterment of society. With over 3000 successful projects completed for a wide array of nonprofits’ needs, you can find an online volunteer to help you with the problem-solving process for free. Sign up with Chezuba as a nonprofit today and watch your nonprofit flourish.
Together, we can create a world where no one is denied the chance to gain literacy skills. Let’s stand united in promoting education for all and commit to actions that drive lasting change.
Good corporate citizenship is a must, not a nice one to have. It's a "must-have" if you want your business to stay accountable, successful, and competitive. Employee engagement is boosted by strong corporate citizenship, and when we're all engaged, good things happen.
Employee engagement is a critical factor that directly impacts a company's productivity, retention, and overall success. The statistics we've highlighted not only shed light on the current state of employee engagement but also underscore the pressing need for organizations to prioritize it.
Chezuba can play a crucial role in this journey by providing personalized volunteering opportunities that align with employees' skills and passions, further enhancing their engagement and connection to the company's mission.
Celebrating the 4th of July at work is an excellent way to build team spirit, promote a sense of community, and acknowledge the significance of independence.
Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of nature conservation. This World Nature Conservation Day, take a step towards making a difference. Whether through volunteering, adopting sustainable habits, or supporting conservation efforts, your commitment can help protect and preserve our planet for future generations. Together, we can create a more sustainable and thriving world.
Celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day through corporate volunteering is a powerful way to honour Mandela’s legacy and contribute to social change. By engaging in diverse and impactful activities, companies can create meaningful experiences for their employees, strengthen community ties, and make a lasting difference.
Together, we can create a world where no child is robbed of their childhood. Let’s stand united against child labor and commit to actions that drive lasting change.
World Environment Day offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the fight against environmental degradation. By volunteering, you not only support critical conservation efforts but also gain personal benefits such as new skills, improved well-being, and strengthened community ties.
By building strong internal support, companies can harness the full potential of their CSR programs, creating a better future for their employees, communities, and the planet.
Read the article to learn how empowering employees in corporate volunteering programs fosters a sense of purpose among employees and significantly improves retention rates.
Implementing these strategies can help companies not only achieve their corporate citizenship goals but also create positive social and environmental impacts while driving long-term business success. By embracing responsibility, fostering inclusivity, and collaborating effectively, businesses can contribute meaningfully to societal well-being while enhancing their reputation and competitiveness in the market.
May Day is a day to reflect on the progress made in labor rights, honor workers' contributions, and celebrate unity within organizations. By incorporating these engaging and meaningful activities into your May Day celebrations, you create a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Engaging employee giving and employee volunteering activities on World Health Day can foster a culture of well-being and employee satisfaction. Read the article to learn more.
By going along with these trends, companies can help make the future more sustainable and become leaders in their fields. As time goes on, it is important to stay committed to business social responsibility and work toward making the world fair and prosperous for everyone.
The emergence of employee volunteering and engagement as prominent trends in CSR reflects a broader shift towards more holistic and inclusive approaches to corporate social responsibility.
Virtual volunteering offers a number of benefits for both volunteers and nonprofits. Read the article to learn more about the future of Nonprofit support in the USA.
Read our in-depth blog post about the significant advantages of Volunteer Time Off (VTO) as a Corporate Social Responsibility tool and how it helps both workers and employers.
In this evolving world of businesses, employee engagement is more important than ever. Read the blog to learn about the evolving trends and its significance in business growth.
Running a company is hard. But it’s not just the business you have to handle, employee satisfaction also matters a lot. The employee giving program can help you with this aspect.
Studies have shown that businesses with strong corporate CSR programs can build deeper connections with employees, customers, and other key stakeholders.
Corporate social responsibility is a form of self-regulation that reflects a company's accountability and commitment to the well-being of society through environmental and social measures. It plays an important role in brand perception, appealing to employees, customers, and investors alike.
This article is designed to help you understand the modern employee and how to create a workplace that is conducive to their personal and professional growth.
This article is about the importance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the volunteer opportunities that are available to people with disabilities.
We address the increasing importance of employee purpose and have also attempted to explain how your leadership team can make adjustments to integrate meaningful work as part of your company culture.
Concept notes are one of the first steps to take when trying to secure funding for your projects. We have listed out what a concept note is, its importance, and tips to draft a great concept note.
10th of October of every year is as World Mental Health Day by the WHO but your employees' mental health matters all year round. We have listed a few changes you can make to your organization to cater to the mental health needs of your employees.
This report provides an analysis of the current state of the global workplace and the impact of the pandemic on productivity and how the term “productivity paranoia” came about.
Here’s a brief overview of what diversity and inclusion are and why it is a must for your organization. This blog will be most resourceful to aid you in creating and maintaining diversity in your workplace.
Companies can aid society, engage remote employees in developing their skills, and even improve brand reputation by fostering a culture of giving through virtual volunteering.
Employees are typically the backbone of any firm, and a firm's success depends on the well-being of its employees. Discover how you can properly support your employees' mental health.
This article is meant to give you an idea of the benefits of corporate social responsibility. It will give you an idea of how to implement it into your business and how to reap the benefits for years to come.
In this article, we discuss why employees are leaving the workplace increasingly to focus on their mental health and a few changes you can make to your workplace to combat this issue.
This article is an introduction to the concept of corporate citizenship and how it relates to business. It explains what it means to be a good corporate citizen and how it can be applied to your business.
By measuring the impact your nonprofit creates, you will be able to provide your donors with transparency and the knowledge of how they are able to help make a difference in the world. Learn how with this article.
This article discusses the need for organizations to bridge the skills gap in today's economy. It discusses the current pandemic and how it has widened the existing skills gap, and how organizations can use the pandemic to their advantage.
This article is meant to give you a better understanding of how volunteering for a nonprofit can be a great way to use your skills to help those in need in your community.
Corporate philanthropy is a great way to get your employees to get more involved in their communities and to help them feel more connected to their work.
This article discusses the benefits of volunteering, and how it can be a transformative experience and a great way to connect with people and interact with new people.
This blog shows you how to keep track of your corporate volunteering program and evaluate its impact. It is essential to keep a record of your program's progress and evaluate it based on the results you get.
In this blog, we will discuss what virtual volunteering is, how it works, the pros of volunteering virtually and how you can become a virtual volunteer.
This article discusses the importance of creating meaningful volunteer opportunities for employees and 6 ways to improve the number of employees who participate in these programs.
This article talks about the importance of a board of directors for nonprofits, the benefits of having a board of directors, and their roles and responsibilities.
This article is about virtual corporate volunteering ideas that can be executed by your organization to engage employees and also support nonprofits and charities.
This article explains how employee purpose is a key factor in a better workforce, and how you can help your employees find it through your CSR strategies.
This article is about the benefits of having a business volunteering program. It is a great way to get your employees involved in the community and to get them to give their hundred percent to their work.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the best practices that can be implemented to create successful international corporate volunteering programs.
This blog has discussed 6 easy steps to organize a successful company volunteer day. By following these steps, you will be able to ensure that your company's volunteer day will be a huge success.
This blog will give you a basic understanding of corporate philanthropy. It is important to understand what corporate philanthropy is and why your company should choose it as a part of your CSR strategy.
This article will discuss the Logframe technique and its application in project planning. It will also discuss the structure of the Logical Framework and its various components.
This article discusses how you can incorporate virtual volunteering into your corporate social responsibility strategy. It shows you how to create a virtual volunteering program that is aligned with your company's values and aligns with your CSR strategy.
This blog gives you an idea of how volunteering can help you advance your career and help you gain valuable work experience, showcase your skills and knowledge, and help you explore new career opportunities.
This article contains some fun ideas to celebrate Earth Day in your workplace. Earth Day is an annual celebration of the environmental movement's accomplishments and a reminder of the significance of long-term ecological sustainability.
This article discusses how technology is making corporate volunteering easier and more accessible for companies to use and incorporate into their CSR programs.
Here's how Chezuba connects you with incredible online volunteers who can help you engage and persuade your stakeholders to take action by creating compelling content.
Volunteers are an essential component of any Nonprofit organization. Keeping your volunteers' passion, energy, and interest in your organization's goal is vital to retain volunteers for the long term