Root Cause Analysis

How to use this tool:

Start with the complex issue that you are focusing on. You can also consider multiple issues and split these between different groups.

In small groups, progress down the iceberg, remembering to consider all living beings and natural resources. Refer to your Stakeholder Ecosystem Map (tool 4 ) if helpful. Add your thoughts to Post-its in each of the following sections:

Events: what do you see happening? E.g. You see your flatmate throw a perfectly good t-shirt in the bin.

Patterns: what trends can you see? E.g. Whenever your flatmate buys new clothes, they throw out old ones, even if they are in good condition.

Structures: what enables these patterns to persist? E.g. There are no textile recycling bins nearby, or no incentives for repairing old clothes.

Mental models: what belief systems underpin these structures? E.g. Clothes are cheap and it doesn’t feel like a big deal to throw them away.

As you progress down the iceberg, draw lines between different Post-its if there are specific connections that you want to call attention to. This will be especially helpful if your issue has lots of different events, patterns, structures and mental models.

If you have split into small groups, return to plenary and spend a few minutes per group sharing what you have discovered.

What now?

Consider whether there are any patterns, structures or societal beliefs that could be leveraged to shift the system and help achieve your vision, as well as any that should be reversed or questioned.

Agree the simplest next steps that you could take to put these ideas into action.

Further resources

Iceberg Model further detail, Eco Challenge

Iceberg Model with a deeper Maori restorative approach, Centre for Social Impact

Ideas Arrangements Effects, Design Studio for Social Intervention (2020)