Continuous Innovation: Why you should push for more Positive Deviance Initiatives with or over Root Cause Analysis

by Mike Jebber

In the problem-solving and innovation spaces, two approaches, Positive Deviance Initiatives (PDI) and Root Cause Analysis (RCI), stand out for their distinct approaches. In this article, I explore these approaches, discuss how they can complement each other, and point out why Positive Deviance and Positive Deviance Initiatives (PDI) should be looked at with higher value and used more regularly to advance any organization's innovation rate.

Positive Deviance

Positive Deviance is a mindset that focuses on identifying and amplifying successful practices within a community or organization. By emphasizing the "benefit gained," Positive Deviance encourages a proactive approach to problem-solving.  One notable example of positive deviation comes from healthcare and infection control.

In the 1990s, Jerry and Monique Sternin, experts in Positive Deviance, were enlisted by Save the Children to address the high malnutrition rates among children in Vietnam.  Instead of focusing solely on identifying and correcting the causes of malnutrition, the team took a positive deviance approach.

Positive Deviance Analysis Process

They sought out families with thriving children despite facing similar socio-economic challenges. By studying these outliers, the team discovered unique, positive behaviors and practices within these families that contributed to the well-nourished status of their children.  For instance, some families were diversifying their children's diets by incorporating small shrimps, crabs, and sweet potatoes – locally available and nutrient-rich foods. These families also fed their children smaller, more frequent daily meals.

Rather than focusing on the malnutrition problem, the initiative concentrated on the "benefit gained" by those families already succeeding.  This Positive Deviance approach was applied by sharing these successful yet unconventional practices with the broader community, which significantly reduced malnutrition rates among children in the targeted communities. Identifying and amplifying Positive Deviance Initiatives can lead to innovative and effective solutions, fostering a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis is a systematic process to identify the underlying causes of problems. An example of Root Cause Analysis can be found in the aviation industry, specifically in investigating aircraft accidents or incidents to enhance safety protocols. Let's consider the crash of Air France Flight 447 in 2009. Flight 447, an Airbus A330, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean during a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris. The crash resulted in the tragic loss of all 228 people on board.

Root Cause Analysis Process

• Immediate Investigation: After the incident, an immediate investigation was launched to recover the wreckage and analyze the available data, including cockpit voice and flight data recorders.
• Identification of Symptoms: The investigation initially focused on the symptoms of the crash, such as the inconsistent airspeed readings and the crew's failure to recover from a stall.
• Detailed Analysis: A comprehensive Root Cause Analysis examines various contributing factors. It was discovered that the pitot tubes, which measure airspeed, had iced over during the flight, leading to inaccurate readings.
• Underlying Issues: The Root Cause Analysis delved deeper to understand why the pitot tubes iced over. It was revealed that the specific design of the pitot tubes used on the Airbus A330 was susceptible to ice buildup under certain conditions.
• Recommendations and Changes: The analysis led to recommendations for design improvements, changes in pilot training related to high-altitude stall recovery, and procedures for handling unreliable airspeed indications.
• Preventive Measures: Due to the Root Cause Analysis, new pitot tube designs with improved resistance to ice accretion were introduced. Additionally, pilots received enhanced training on high-altitude stall recovery and managing unreliable airspeed indications.

By identifying and addressing the underlying causes, the aviation industry took preventive measures to enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future. Root Cause Analysis can also enhance continuous improvement by limiting or preventing previous, existing, or recurring issues.

Comparative Analysis

Exploring the strengths and limitations of Positive Deviance Initiatives and Root Cause Analysis sheds light on the contexts where each approach thrives.  These approaches are complementary, and their synergy can create a comprehensive problem-solving strategy.

Positive Deviance

Strengths

• Proactive Innovation: Positive Deviance encourages a proactive mindset by focusing on successful outliers within a system, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
• Cultural Shift: It promotes a cultural shift by emphasizing strengths and opportunities, contributing to a more optimistic and forward-thinking organizational culture.
• Adaptability: Positive Deviance is adaptable and applicable across various contexts, making it a versatile approach to address complex problems.

Limitations

• Limited Applicability to All Issues: Positive Deviance may not be suitable for all issues, especially those requiring a deep understanding of systemic failures or technical intricacies.
• Dependency on Unconventional Solutions: It may rely on unconventional solutions, which might face resistance in traditional or rigid organizational structures.
• Potential for Overlooking Root Causes: Focusing on successful behaviors may lead to overlooking underlying systemic issues contributing to specific problems.

Root Cause Analysis

Strengths

• Systemic Understanding: Root Cause Analysis provides a systemic understanding of problems, aiming to identify and address the underlying causes to prevent recurrence.
• Preventive Approach: It is highly effective in preventing the recurrence of issues by getting to the core of problems and implementing targeted solutions.
• Structured Methodology: Root Cause Analysis follows a structured methodology, providing a systematic and organized approach to problem-solving.

Limitations

• Reactive Nature: Root Cause Analysis is often employed reactively after an issue, making it less effective for addressing emerging challenges in real time.
• Resource Intensive: Conducting a thorough Root Cause Analysis can be resource-intensive, requiring time, expertise, and access to comprehensive data.
• Complexity in Identifying Root Causes: In complex systems, identifying a single root cause can be challenging, leading to potential oversimplification of problems.

Complementary Nature and Symbiotic Relationship

The strengths of Positive Deviance and Root Cause Analysis complement each other, creating a symbiotic relationship that enhances problem-solving:

• Synergy in Problem Identification: Positive Deviance can be used as an initial screening tool to identify successful practices and innovations. Root Cause Analysis then dives deeper into the systemic issues contributing to those successes or failures.
• Preventive Measures Supported by Innovation: Root Cause Analysis provides the foundation for preventive measures. At the same time, Positive Deviance injects a layer of innovation by identifying successful behaviors that can be incorporated into preventive strategies.
• Balanced Approach: Positive Deviance's proactive focus complements Root Cause Analysis's reactive nature, creating a balanced problem-solving approach that addresses immediate issues and prevents future occurrences.

Example

Consider a manufacturing facility facing quality control issues. Positive Deviance could identify workstations consistently producing high-quality outputs. Root Cause Analysis could then investigate the systemic factors contributing to the success of these workstations, leading to the implementation of standardized processes across the entire production line. This way, the symbiotic relationship between Positive Deviance and Root Cause Analysis creates a comprehensive problem-solving strategy that combines innovation with a deep understanding of underlying issues. Integrating these methodologies ensures a holistic and practical approach to addressing complex challenges.

Why Positive Deviance Deserves More Focus

Positive Deviance deserves elevated focus, not to diminish Root Cause Analysis’s significance, but because Positive Deviance Initiatives serve as more than just problem-solving tools—they act as powerful catalysts for innovation, fostering a cultural transformation beyond issue resolution.

• Catalyst for Innovation: Positive Deviance uniquely inspires and drives innovation within an organization. Positive Deviance encourages a mindset that seeks unconventional solutions and groundbreaking ideas by shifting the focus from identifying problems to recognizing and amplifying successful practices. In contrast, Root Cause Analysis tends to be rooted in reactive problem-solving, addressing issues after they have occurred. Elevating Positive Deviance initiatives signals a commitment to resolving problems and actively seeking opportunities for positive change and growth.
• Psychological Benefits: Concentrating on Positive Deviance brings significant psychological benefits for individuals within the organization. It cultivates an optimistic atmosphere by celebrating achievements and acknowledging strengths. This positive reinforcement can boost employee morale, motivation, and engagement, creating a work environment conducive to collaboration and creativity. In contrast, a predominantly root-cause analysis approach centered on identifying and correcting mistakes may inadvertently contribute to a culture of blame and negativity.
• Cultural Transformation: Positive Deviance initiatives contribute to a cultural transformation by encouraging employees to think beyond limitations and envision possibilities. When success stories and innovative practices are highlighted, it inspires a collective mindset shift towards a proactive and forward-thinking organizational culture. This cultural shift is crucial for adaptability, resilience, and thriving in a rapidly changing business landscape. Root Cause Analysis, while vital for addressing specific issues, often lacks the transformative impact on organizational culture that Positive Deviance brings.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Positive Deviance is inherently proactive, focusing on what works and how to replicate success. This proactive approach ensures that organizations respond effectively to existing challenges and anticipate and prevent future issues. While Root Cause Analysis is essential for understanding and rectifying problems, it tends to be a reactive process triggered by issues. Elevating Positive Deviance initiatives emphasizes staying ahead of challenges and fostering a culture that anticipates and leverages opportunities.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Positive Deviance encourages adaptability and resilience by showcasing diverse approaches that lead to success. This diversity of perspectives and practices creates a robust foundation for navigating uncertainties and disruptions. Root Cause Analysis, while effective in specific contexts, may sometimes lead to a narrow focus on singular solutions. The broader, adaptive Positive Deviance approach better equips organizations to navigate complex and dynamic environments.

While Root Cause Analysis is crucial in understanding and addressing problems, Positive Deviance Initiatives bring a transformative power beyond issue resolution. The elevated focus on Positive Deviance is not just about solving problems; it is about igniting innovation, shaping a positive organizational culture, and creating an environment where strengths and opportunities are celebrated, paving the way for a more resilient and forward-thinking organization.