5 Whys: Getting to the Root Cause

Five whys (or 5 whys) is a technique used to explore the cause and effect relationships underlying a particular problem. The primary goal of the technique is to determine the root cause of a defect or a problem by repeating the question “Why?”.
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  • Guide
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REFERENCES

 

5 WhysGetting to the Root of a Problem Quickly. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_5W.htm

Determine The Root Cause: 5 Whys. (2018, November 27). Retrieved from https://www.isixsigma.com/tools-templates/cause-effect/determine-root-cause-5-whys/

Five Whys Technique. adb.org. Asian Development Bank. February 2009. Retrieved September 5, 2019.

REFERENCES

Introduction

Each answer forms the basis of the next question. The “five” in the name derives from an anecdotal observation on the number of iterations needed to resolve the problem.

Not all problems have a single root cause. If one wishes to uncover multiple root causes, the method must be repeated asking a different sequence of questions each time.

The method provides no hard and fast rules about what lines of questions to explore, or how long to continue the search for additional root causes. Thus, even when the method is closely followed, the outcome still depends upon the knowledge and persistence of the people involved.

Instructions:

Identify

Identify your problem statement.

Deciding the "Why"

As a team, ask “Why” about the problem. It is likely that different team members will have different responses to the question.

Come to Consensus

If your team members have different responses to the why, you will have to build consensus with your team. Then pick the top 3 why’s to the initial problem and insert them into the three rows.

Repeat the Process

For each row, continue asking why to the previous statement, until you can no longer answer the why question.

Verify

Verify that the root cause addresses the problem.

5 Whys Video:

Getting to the Root Cause

This video gives an overview of how to use 5 Whys to examine the root cause for what is and what is not working well in the team.

 

When to Use the Affinity Process:

  • When issues seem large and complex
  • When group consensus and involvement is necessary
  • When evaluating a variety of solutions

Materials You'll Need:

  • Sticky notes or index cards & tape
  • Markers, for writing
  • Large surface area (work table, flip chart, white board, blank wall)
  • Team members from all areas of the organization involved in the process

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