5 Whys

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5 Whys

The 5 Whys approach is a problem-solving technique used to identify the root cause of an issue by repeatedly asking “Why?” This method involves asking the question up to five times or until the fundamental cause of the problem is uncovered. Each answer forms the basis for the next question, allowing teams to move past symptoms and address the underlying issue. It is widely used in manufacturing, IT, and healthcare industries to improve processes, enhance quality, and prevent recurring problems. This approach is simple, cost-effective, and adaptable to various contexts, making it an essential tool for root cause analysis. Organizations can implement targeted and lasting solutions by focusing on causes instead of symptoms.