Fun with the Fishbone Diagram: How Fundamental Attribution Error Affects Team Problem Solving

Fishbone Diagrams are a popular problem solving tool used in industry and upper level undergraduate management classes. To complete a Fishbone Diagram, cross-functional teams brainstorm possible causes to a problem. In industry, these potential causes are investigated to determine the root cause of a problem. However, this process is subject to Fundamental Attribution Error which limits the effectiveness of the tool. The purpose of the “Fun with the Fishbone Diagram” exercise is for teams to work through a business problem while purposefully making attribution errors. Participants will learn how to create a Fishbone Diagram and how to minimize attribution error.