What Is an Affinity Diagram?

The KJ method is one of seven new tools for total quality management. Summarize the linguistic and textual materials in a state of chaos, use their internal relationships (affinity) to summarize them, and then find new ways to solve problems. When discussing problems, fully draw on the participants' experience, knowledge, and ideas, and categorize them in words or languages in order to take collaborative actions to solve the problem. The main method is A-type diagram (also called affinity diagram). The so-called type A diagram is to collect linguistic data on facts, opinions, and assumptions on the confusion in unknown or untested (including future) fields, and then use the mutual affinity between the data to classify Merge the graphs to find the problem you want to solve and how to solve it. ^[1]

KJ method

Combine

The problem is complicated. At first, the situation was confusing and involved many departments. It is especially applicable when reviewing and speaking. You can recognize new things (new problems, new methods); organize inductive thoughts; proceed from reality and take measures to break the status quo; propose new theories and carry out fundamental transformations, "reborn"; promote coordination and unify thinking; The policy becomes the initiative of subordinates.

1. Commonly used in the following production management activities:

Quickly grasp the actual situation in the unknown field and find out the way to solve the problem.

Summarize and arrange things that are difficult to understand, and propose clear policies

1. Identify the object (or purpose). The KJ method is suitable for solving problems that must be solved, and that allows time to be solved. For problems that require quick resolution and "eagerness to succeed", the KJ method should not be used.

2. Collect language and text data. When collecting, respect the facts and find out the original thoughts ("live thoughts", "sparks of thought").

There are three ways to collect this information:

1. Preparation: The host and attendees are 4-7 people. Have your blackboard, chalk, cards, large blank papers, and stationery ready.

2. Brainstorming session: The host invited the participants to propose 30-50 ideas and write them down on the blackboard in turn.

3. Make a card: The host discusses with the participants and summarizes the proposed sentence in a short sentence of 2-3 lines and writes it on the card. Each person writes a set. These cards are called "base cards".

1. Organization team: Organize the personnel of relevant departments that may be involved in the problem, ranging from 3-5 people to as many as dozens of people. People with particularly strong opinions cannot be excluded. Those who do not speak normally need to be invited to participate as long as they are related to their work.

2. establish

KJ method advantages

The problem-solving process can promote team learning, broaden horizons, break through departmental barriers, and gain a holistic perspective, which helps reduce internal conflicts and focus on problem solving rather than internal wear and tear.

KJ method is difficult

More experienced supervisors are needed to effectively promote a frank and open attitude, and to form reasonable answers during the classification and induction process. ^[2]