Which element is typically excluded from a process map?

A process map serves to visualize the flow of a process, helping stakeholders understand how tasks are sequenced and how they interact. It typically includes essential components such as process steps (the tasks to be completed), decision points (where choices are made that affect the flow), and start and stop points (the boundaries of the process).

However, cause and effect relationships, while important in understanding why certain steps are taken or the impact of decisions made, are not usually represented directly on a process map. Instead, they are often examined in separate analysis tools, such as fishbone diagrams or root cause analyses, where the focus is on identifying underlying factors that influence the process. Therefore, the exclusion of cause and effect relationships from a process map is consistent with its primary purpose of mapping the operational flow rather than diving into the reasons behind that flow.