What do Cause and Effect Diagrams help to identify?

Cause and Effect Diagrams, also known as Fishbone Diagrams or Ishikawa Diagrams, are a valuable tool in quality management and problem-solving processes. They facilitate the identification of various factors contributing to a specific issue or undesired effect within a process. By organizing potential causes into categories, these diagrams help teams systematically explore all possible influences on an outcome, making it easier to identify root causes.

This method is particularly useful when addressing problems, as it encourages a thorough analysis of all potential contributing factors rather than focusing on symptoms or superficial explanations. The visual nature of the diagram also aids in collaboration and communication among team members, ensuring that all perspectives are considered in the analysis.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary function of Cause and Effect Diagrams. Items not used in process evaluations, financial discrepancies, or employee performance metrics do not relate directly to identifying causes of undesired effects in processes. Thus, the diagram serves a targeted purpose in enhancing understanding and resolving specific issues by identifying contributing factors effectively.