A common problem that I really believe in that Social Workers come across in both Macro and Micro Practice is that (problem one) We don't understand the problem or goal. This is a big problem because when we do not know what the actual problem is in a situation it means that we are going to keep on working in a circle because the "problem"/"issue" we are working on isn't really what needs to be worked on to get to the root cause.
I am going to focus on using the "But Why?" technique and looking for the root cause of a problem/issue, so that we may get to a definite solution. Asking this question helps to get a look at how and "why the problem has developed." It is important to ask "but why" once we think we have found the issue, because it forces a person to think deeper into what has allowed or caused this problem to come about and get to the point where it is at now. There is a need to identify the root causes, so that we can know the real cause of the problem. Because if we try to solve the problem without having a clue of what may have caused it, it is really pointless and a waste of time because then we would just be working in a circle. We would be working in a circle because once we think we have solved and worked on the problem we are back at square one because there's a problem still there (problem two, we work around the problem avoid the bigger picture). We need to look at the bigger picture to help the smaller one. "By experiencing the problem you will understand it better and be motivated to deal with it." This quote is kind of like working for a client whom has a different culture, belief or background than the worker. The worker in this situation should really do some background research to find information on how this person functions because of their culture or whatever it may be, to better understand them. Just like with the problem, if you are in the middle of it or put yourself in a position where you have to deal with it also you are more opt to find a reason for the cause of it. The "But Why?" technique comes into the picture when you are working with a client and they are giving you simple answers (like a yes or no question) and then you ask why to get a further/deeper understanding of why they think whatever is happening because of whatever.
An example that I found from my reading was this :
"A child has an infected foot.
Q: But why?
A. She stepped on broken glass while walking.
A. She stepped on broken glass while walking.
Q: Could that have been prevented?
A. Yes.
A. Yes.
Q: How?
A. She could have been wearing shoes.
A. She could have been wearing shoes.
Q: But why doesn't the child have shoes?
A. Because the family can't afford shoes.
A. Because the family can't afford shoes.
Q. But why?
A. The father or mother has no job.
A. The father or mother has no job.
Q. But why?
(and so forth)"
(and so forth)"
By continuing and asking why it allows the worker to get a better understand as to why this situation even happened. If the worker had just stopped at "She could have been wearing shoes" and given the child shoes, that would have solved the problem for the moment but what about three months down the line if the same thing happens again, the worker can't keep giving the child shoes. But with asking the but why you continue to get a deeper and deeper answer as to how the problem is created.
With the image to the left it shows a doctor who is looking at the problem. To me it depicts that there is always something between the worker and issue. There's something in between that caused the problem and you really have to take a deeper look into the situation to see the problem.It's like if the doctor wasn't looking into that ear thing and was just looking at the ear with a naked eye it wouldn't have seen the problem, but because it's looking at it through this smaller lens it has found the problem.
Another interesting thing I read, which I had kind of figured was the the people who are affected by the problem should be included in the process of finding the root cause (problem three we do not always include the client or those affected), because when them speaking out of what they see or feel is the problem it allows one to get a different point of view than from being an outsider looking in.
The final slide and picture that I found (off of Google Images) was the one below, although it was created for businesses it helps to working with finding the problem in any situation just tweak some of the words.
If you remember nothing from this blog remember these couple of things:
- Always question the answer
- Always question the possible solution
Review: Three Potential Problems:
1. Not understanding the problem and/or goal.
2. Focusing on the wrong problem, not the bigger picture. Not solving actual problem. Sometimes overlooking the actual issues.
3. Not involving the clients in out work to solve the problem and getting their feedback.
Information that is quoted is from:
1. domain., t. U., Lopez, C., & Fawcett, S. (n.d.). Analyzing Root Causes of Problems: The "But Why?" Technique. Community Toolbox - Bringing Solutions to Light. Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents/sub_section_main_1128.aspx
2. Images are from random Google Images search
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI really like the "but why?" approach - I have used it in my classroom for years and also as a parent. It is really an great approach that has so many useful purposes....and our work as social workers is just one! Nice job.