Here are a few question to address your organization's  problem-solving effectiveness:

• Do the leaders in your organization understand accurately the underlying values and mindsets regarding addressing root causes or solving problems?

• How much fear/paranoia (really) exists in surfacing problems, in other words, when employees see a problem or an opportunity to improve, how likely are to surface that problem even if they may believe they may have some "blame"? 

• How does this contribute to employees preferring to keep problems they see to themselves?

• When problems occur, are employees supported in their effort to determine root causes or find solution or does the blame game kick in?

• Is there a divide between those who create and those who solve problems?

• What actions are necessary to create collaborative solution finding …?

• What is the problem solving capacity and capability in the organization?

• Are problems easily identified and resolved efficiently and effectively?

• Is there an understood methodology to guide the problem-solving process?

• Are root causes being addressed or just expedient solution-like actions pursued?

• What training is necessary to develop problem-solving skills?

• Evaluate your organization's ability to focus resources effectively and execute.  Does your organization leverage its resources to resolve issues at the employee level, management level and owner/executive level?

• Are the efforts of the employees focused effectively on the most important issues? What are the indicators?

• Are you able to evaluate the effectiveness of your problem solving efforts quantitatively?

• Can you determine that you are not spending $1000 for a one time savings of $200?