The 5 Whys analysis is a diagnostic technique used to identify and explain causal chains, with the aim of accurately defining the problem’s root cause. It is also known as the Five Whys analysis or Five Why analysis. By continuously asking why the preceding event occurred, the questioning stops when the answer is “there is no good reason” or when a new failure mode is discovered. Addressing the root cause is crucial to prevent problem recurrence. Any statement in the document containing the word “why” aims to define the true root cause (typically requiring at least five “whys,” although it could be one or even more than ten to identify the root cause).
(1) Understanding the current situation:
① Identifying the problem: In the first step of the method, you begin to understand a potentially large, vague, or complex problem. You have some information but not detailed facts. Question: What do I know?
② Clarifying the problem: The next step in the method is to clarify the problem. To gain a clearer understanding, ask: What actually happened? What should have happened?
③ Decomposing the problem: In this step, if necessary, the problem is broken down into smaller, independent elements. What else do I know about this problem? Are there any other sub-problems?
④ Finding the key causes: Now, the focus is on finding the actual key causes of the problem. You need to trace back to understand the primary key causes firsthand. Question: Where do I need to go? What do I need to look at? Who might have information about the problem?
⑤ Grasping the tendencies of the problem: To grasp the tendencies of the problem, ask: Who? Which one? What time? How often? How much? Asking these questions before asking why is crucial.
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Post time: Jun-08-2023
