What roles do people take during a root cause analysis investigation?
The roles that are played during an investigation are closely linked to the (1) types of information that need to be collected (interviews, document collection and review, site visit and analysis, and video review) and (2) the steps of the investigation process itself. One person, of course, would serve as the lead of the investigation effort. Others might serve as interviewers and data collectors. Some people will be expected to do little more than answer questions or provide documentation. If you use a team approach to collecting investigative information and developing corrective actions, you will also need a skilled team facilitator to avoid wasting valuable group time. Some people, for example, are very skilled at managing a project on their own, but they have not ever had the chance to learn the skills required to manage group dynamics or group conflict. In turn, a lot of time can be wasted and the group can lose confidence in the investigation effort.
