Brainstorming Root Causes of Organizational Problems Using an Affinity Diagram

Brainstorming with an Affinity Diagram
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Brainstorming with an Affinity Diagram
1. Introduce the problem or issue
Low motivation causes poor employee performance.
Unrealistic workload and burnoutPoor payPoor leadershipLack of flexibility Feeling undervalued/ Lack of recognition Lack of training Poor communication Lack of professional development Workplace conflicts Values mismatch Poor planning Poor hiring practices 2. Brainstorm causes for the problem
Limited career progression
3. Sort ideas into themes based upon commonalitiesProgressionLeadershipWork Environment Compensation and Benefits
Employee Training and Tools
Limited career progressionPoor leadershipFeeling undervalued/ Lack of recognition Poor hiring practicesPoor pay
Lack of professional development Poor planningLack of trainingLack of flexibility
Poor communicationUnrealistic workload and burnout
Workplace conflicts
Values mismatch
4. Establish connections
In the case of the work environment, there are factors such as the feeling undervalued/lack of recognition, lack of flexibility, unrealistic workload and burnout, values mismatch, and workplace conflicts. A positive workplace environment and cultural fit are necessary for the workplace for the employees to be highly motivated. Employee training and tools include the hiring practices and lack of training, yet well prepared and trained employees tend to be more motivated and have higher satisfaction. For compensation and benefits, there is the issue of pay as some believe they are underpaid and pay is a reward that is a form of extrinsic motivation. There is a focus on poor leadership, planning, and communication for the leadership theme. Leaders also influence the workplace, and leadership is closely linked with the work environment. The theme of progression highlighted the issue of limited career progression lack of professional development as employees are motivated when there is a clear path to career progression and professional development.
5. Establish the root cause of the problem (Five Whys)
Defined Problem: Low motivation is causing poor employee performance
Why is there low motivation and poor employee performance?
* Employees feel undervalued, and there is a lack of recognition. 
Why is that?
* Employees point out there is a lack of flexibility
Why is that?
* There is a lack of professional development opportunities.
Why is that?
* Employees raise concerns there is poor communication and infrequent feedback from the management.
Why is that?
* Employees feel there is inadequate workplace conflict resolution and relationship management.
6.      Validate the root causes (or causes) of the problem
Feeling undervalued/lack of recognition
 There is more likely to be a disconnection from the workplace when the employees feel undervalued and do not get recognition. Furthermore, if the employees lack re...