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Lean Term: Cause and Effect (Fishbone) Diagram (+ Video)

A cause and effect (fishbone) diagram is a structured, graphical representation of the possible causes to a given effect (cause and effect). One alternate name, fishbone diagram, comes from its shape. The tool, when complete, resembles the shape of a fish, with the effect being where the head would be. It is also less commonly called an Ishikawa diagram in deference to the man who is credited by various people with either creating or popularizing the cause and effect (fishbone) diagram.

Cause and Effect Diagram (or Fishbone Diagram or Ishikawa Diagram) Video

The cause and effect diagram uses the main branches to group the causes into categories (stratification). Each of these branches can then be further subdivided into progressively smaller groups. The branches will look like a tree in some cases—each major ‘limb’ breaking into progressively smaller branches.

You will likely see some standard labels for the main branches.

In manufacturing, the 6 M’s are commonly used: Machines, Methods, Mother Nature, Materials, Measurement, Manpower. In many cases, Manpower is changed to People in the interest of gender sensitivity.

In administrative or office projects, you will see the 6P’s. People, Process (or Procedures), Policy, Plant, Programs (software), and Products are typical.

While the 6M’s and 6P’s are the most commonly used labels, you are free to use anything you wish. These branches are not set in stone. You can use these as a starting point to customize a cause and effect diagram that works for you: add your own branches, take some away, or even start from scratch. The main point should be to break the causes into some main categories that inspire critical thinking.

The cause and effect (fishbone) diagram is useful for structuring the results of a previous brainstorming session, or as a part of the actual brainstorming process, with ideas placed directly onto a cause and effect diagram.

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2 Comments

  • Vishwas says:
    May 12, 2011 at 11:36 am

    The presentation video is really good for understanding. One can easily learn from this.
    Thanks.
    Vishwas

    Reply
    • Jeff Hajek says:
      May 12, 2011 at 1:04 pm

      Glad it was able to help you out. I’ve got about 16 more videos in the works right now from my recorded webinars. Stay tuned for some more short videos…

      Reply

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