Rare, If Ever, to Have Just One Root Cause
In root cause analysis, it is rare to have just one root cause; focusing on a single cause can lead to incomplete understanding. This concept encourages looking beyond simple explanations like the Five Whys.
THE IDEA
Multiple Causes in Root Cause Analysis
A significant disaster or recurring problem may have several interacting causes. Stopping at the first plausible explanation, or following only one chain of five whys, can leave important conditions unexplored. Investigate whether several causes contributed before selecting corrective action.12
‘Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler’.
– after Albert Einstein.13
When to use it
Investigating a product recall in manufacturing
Analyzing a software bug in an agile team
Understanding why a marketing campaign failed
Solving a recurring issue in a business process
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Manufacturing Machine Breakdown
A factory had a machine breakdown. Initial analysis suggested a single faulty part, but deeper investigation revealed multiple root causes: inadequate maintenance schedule, operator error due to lack of training, and a design flaw in the machine's safety system.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a recent problem you solved. Did you stop at the first apparent cause?
How might considering multiple root causes change your approach to problem solving?
What are the dangers of assuming a single root cause?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Beyond the Five Whys Root Cause Analysis and Systems Thinking (James C. Paterson)