Which of the following is a key characteristic of the Ishikawa diagram?

The key characteristic of the Ishikawa diagram, also known as the fishbone diagram or cause-and-effect diagram, is that it categorizes root causes of a problem. This visual tool is widely used in quality management and problem-solving processes to identify and organize potential causes of a specific issue, making it easier to analyze complex problems by breaking them down into categories such as people, processes, equipment, materials, environment, and management.

By categorizing root causes, the Ishikawa diagram helps teams focus their efforts on understanding the underlying factors contributing to a problem rather than just addressing symptoms. This structured approach leads to more effective solutions and improvements. The diagram’s visual nature allows stakeholders to see the relationships between various causes and the problem at hand, fostering collaboration and discussion around potential solutions.