Root Cause Analysis
Definition
The systematic process of identifying the underlying causes of a problem, not just its symptoms.
Root Cause Analysis is the central activity of Step 2 (Analyze). It uses structured tools — Fishbone Diagrams, Five-Why Analysis, Force Field Analysis, and Check Sheets — to move past surface symptoms and identify the real drivers of a problem. The distinction between symptoms and root causes is critical: treating a symptom provides temporary relief, but the problem recurs. Treating the root cause resolves the problem permanently.
Related Tools
Related Terms
Fishbone Diagram
A visual cause-and-effect analysis tool that maps potential causes across structured categories.
Five-Why Analysis
A root cause technique that drills deeper by repeatedly asking "Why?" until reaching an actionable cause.
Symptom
A visible effect of a problem that recurs if only the symptom is treated, not the root cause.
Where This Fits in the PIPS Methodology
This concept is used in Step 2: Analyze — Root cause analysis (fishbone, 5-why, force-field).
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