Root Cause Matrix

The Root Cause Matrix is a 2x2 matrix used to identify and categorize the underlying causes of a problem. It helps teams to systematically analyze issues by breaking them down into manageable parts, facilitating effective problem-solving and decision-making processes.

At a very high level, the Root Cause Matrix is used in the context of business, problem-solving, management.

Want to try this template?
Other Templates

What is the Root Cause Matrix?

A visual explanation is shown in the image above. The Root Cause Matrix can be described as a matrix with the following quadrants:

  1. High Impact, High Frequency: Issues that occur frequently and have a significant impact, e.g., frequent machine breakdowns.
  2. High Impact, Low Frequency: Issues that are rare but have a significant impact, e.g., power outages.
  3. Low Impact, High Frequency: Issues that occur frequently but have a minor impact, e.g., small delays in supply shipments.
  4. Low Impact, Low Frequency: Issues that are rare and have a minor impact, e.g., occasional miscommunication among team members.

What is the purpose of the Root Cause Matrix?

The Root Cause Matrix is a powerful tool used in business and management to identify the fundamental reasons behind a problem. By categorizing causes into four distinct quadrants, it allows teams to systematically analyze and address issues. The matrix is divided into two axes: the horizontal axis represents the 'Impact' (High to Low), and the vertical axis represents the 'Frequency' (High to Low). This structure helps in prioritizing which causes need immediate attention and which can be monitored over time.

For example, in a manufacturing setting, frequent machine breakdowns (high frequency, high impact) would be placed in the top-left quadrant, indicating an urgent need for intervention. On the other hand, a rare but severe issue like a power outage (low frequency, high impact) would be placed in the top-right quadrant, suggesting the need for contingency planning. The bottom-left quadrant might include minor, frequent issues like small delays in supply shipments, while the bottom-right quadrant could encompass rare, minor issues like occasional miscommunication among team members.

Using the Root Cause Matrix helps organizations to focus their resources effectively, ensuring that high-impact, high-frequency issues are addressed promptly while still keeping an eye on less critical problems. This structured approach not only aids in problem-solving but also enhances overall operational efficiency.


Want to try this template?

What templates are related to Root Cause Matrix?

The following templates can also be categorized as business, problem-solving, management and are therefore related to Root Cause Matrix: Product-Market Matrix, 4 Ps Marketing Mix Matrix, AI Capability-Value Proposition Alignment Matrix, AI Innovation-Value Alignment Matrix, AI Maturity Matrix, AI-Value Proposition Alignment Matrix, AI-Value Proposition Matrix, AIDA Marketing Matrix. You can browse them using the menu above.

How can I use Root Cause Matrix in Priority Matrix?

You can get Root Cause Matrix in your Priority Matrix in just a moment:

  1. Click to sign in or create an account in the system
  2. Start adding your items to the matrix
  3. If you prefer it, download Priority Matrix and take your data with you

Learn more about Root Cause Matrix, and get free access to lots of other templates, at templates.app. Once you are comfortable with the document, you can easily export to Excel, if you prefer to work that way.

If you have any questions and you can't find the answer in our knowledge base, don't hesitate to contact us for help.