Problem Tree
Visualizes causes and effects.
PURPOSE
With complex problems, only symptoms are often treated because the deeper root causes are not recognized. The Problem Tree makes the causal relationships between causes, the core problem, and effects visible. It helps teams and organizations target interventions where they have the greatest leverage.
HOW TO USE
The core problem is placed in the center. Below it, the causes are worked out as roots, with each cause being further explored for deeper underlying causes. Above, the effects are shown as branches. The completed tree shows at a glance which causes need to be addressed to change the effects.
WHAT IT IS
The Problem Tree is a visual analysis tool that represents problems in a tree structure of causes, core problem, and effects. The roots represent causes, the trunk the core problem, and the branches the effects and consequences. The tool originates from international development and is used in many contexts for root cause analysis.
EXAMPLE
Example: Your NGO is struggling with high employee turnover and you want to understand whether it is due to pay, leadership, or workload. You draw a Problem Tree with the core problem of high turnover as the trunk, the causes as roots (lack of development opportunities), and the impacts as branches (knowledge loss and rising recruiting costs).
WHEN TO USE
PREREQUISITES
- Affected people and knowledgeable people at the tree together
- Skill: Causal analysis facilitation
⚠️ WATCH OUT
- Roots dug too shallow — stopping at convenient causes
- Common mistake: Confusing effects with causes
- Common mistake: Building the tree and choosing no intervention
💡 SUCCESS FACTORS
- Mirror the tree into an objectives tree: core causes become solution paths