"The Seven Deadly Sins of Quality Management"

John Drew

Quality Progress

September 2003, pp. 59-65

This article addresses Root Cause Analysis. The author states: "Root cause analysis is a structured questioning process that enables people to recognize and discuss the underlying beliefs and practices that result in poor quality in an organization... A root cause is a basic causal factor, which if corrected or removed will prevent recurrence of a situation... Effective root cause analysis requires both the use of a variety of methodologies and the adoption of a taxonomy of root causes that digs deep enough to foster discussion about the real root causes of problems."

A taxonomy is presented which categorizes root causes into seven belief systems, any one of which can create extreme dysfunctionality in a management system:

1. Placing budgetary considerations ahead of quality
2. Placing schedule considerations ahead of quality
3. Placing political considerations ahead of quality
4. Being arrogant
5. Lacking fundamental knowledge, research or education
6. Pervasively believing in entitlement
7. Practicing autocratic behaviors, resulting in "endullment"

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