What is "root cause analysis"?

Root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic process used to identify the fundamental reasons for a problem or issue within a process or system. This approach goes beyond merely addressing the immediate symptoms or superficial problems; instead, it seeks to understand the deeper issues that lead to undesirable outcomes. By uncovering these underlying causes, organizations can implement effective solutions that prevent recurrence, thereby driving long-term improvements in quality and performance.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the purpose and function of root cause analysis. For example, focusing solely on financial loss does not address the specific issues that lead to those losses. An emphasis on identifying only superficial problems would fail to resolve the deeper, systemic issues that contribute to ongoing challenges. Lastly, while analyzing employee skill levels may be necessary for performance improvement, it does not capture the broader scope of analyzing processes and systems, which is central to root cause analysis.