What is a "fishbone diagram" primarily used for in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)?

A fishbone diagram, also known as an Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram, is primarily a tool used to identify and categorize potential causes of a problem. This visual representation helps teams systematically explore the various factors contributing to a certain issue, organizing them into categories that can include human, machine, method, material, measurement, and environment.

By employing this technique, CQI teams can delve deeper into the underlying reasons for a problem rather than just addressing the symptoms. The structured approach of the fishbone diagram fosters group discussions and encourages input from various stakeholders, thereby enhancing the understanding of complex issues within processes. Ultimately, identifying root causes is a critical step in implementing effective and lasting solutions in quality improvement initiatives.

The other options serve different purposes in the broader context of quality management but do not align with the primary function of a fishbone diagram. Mapping customer satisfaction focuses on assessing and visualizing customer experiences rather than diagnosing problems. Measuring employee performance is concerned with evaluating individual contributions and metrics rather than identifying causes of issues. Estimating financial impact relates to analysis of costs and benefits associated with changes, which does not relate directly to diagnosing a problem's causes.