A root cause analysis technique used to identify the underlying reason for a problem by repeatedly asking "Why?"—typically five times—until the fundamental cause is revealed.
The 5 Whys is a root cause analysis technique used to identify the underlying reason for a problem by repeatedly asking the question "Why?"—typically five times—until the fundamental cause is revealed. This simple yet powerful method helps teams move beyond symptoms to address the true source of issues.
"The goal is not to find someone to blame, but to understand the system that allowed the problem to occur."
Helps uncover systemic issues rather than treating symptoms, leading to lasting solutions.
Simple yet powerful for continuous improvement, requiring no special tools or training.
Encourages critical thinking and collaboration among team members.
Reduces recurrence of problems by addressing root causes rather than surface issues.
Identify root causes of operational issues and recurring problems.
Reduce defects and inefficiencies by addressing underlying causes.
Investigate failures in processes or systems to prevent future occurrences.
Teach teams structured problem-solving and root cause thinking.
Guides teams through iterative "Why?" analysis to dig deeper into causes.
Tree or flow diagram of causes showing the relationship between symptoms and root causes.
Link findings to corrective action plans and improvement initiatives.
Supports team-based workshops and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
Percentage of issues resolved permanently after root cause analysis.
Frequency of similar problems post-analysis, indicating effectiveness.
Average time taken to identify the root cause through analysis.
Documented analysis of the problem with all five "Why?" layers and findings.
Visual map of "Why?" layers showing the progression from symptom to root cause.
Prioritized steps to eliminate root causes and prevent recurrence.
Define the problem clearly and specifically before beginning the analysis.
Continue asking "Why?" until you reach the root cause—usually around five iterations.
Avoid blaming individuals; focus on system and process issues that allowed the problem to occur.
Include team members who understand the process and can provide accurate information.
Test your root cause hypothesis by checking if addressing it prevents the problem from recurring.
Document the analysis and create an action plan with clear ownership and timelines.