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| Criterion |  Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  Facilitation World Café |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a controversial topic needs depth and discipline at the same time, Fishbowl Discussion makes the structure of the conversation transparent. The format keeps the core small enough for real dialogue and open enough for controlled turnover. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | When a group needs to connect many viewpoints in a short time, World Café creates a calm alternation between closeness and rotation. It sets thinking in motion without forcing the conversation into full-plenary rigidity. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 1-3 h | 60-180 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 8-80 | 2-8 | 12-100+ | 2-6 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | FacilitationDialogueLarge group | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |