What is the '5 Whys' technique?

The '5 Whys' technique is a problem-solving method designed to uncover the root cause of an issue by repeatedly asking the question "Why?" Each answer leads to the subsequent question, fostering a deeper understanding of the problem's underlying factors. This iterative questioning process typically continues until the fundamental cause is identified, which is often attainable within five iterations, though it can sometimes require more or less.

Applying the '5 Whys' helps teams move beyond superficial symptoms to address issues at their core, ultimately leading to more effective solutions. This technique is particularly valuable in industries and contexts where understanding processes and preventing recurrence of problems is crucial, such as manufacturing and quality management.

Other options might relate to different aspects of business analysis, such as gathering customer feedback or managing project risks, but they do not accurately describe the specific mechanism and objective of the '5 Whys.' The focus of this technique is distinctively on identifying causative factors rather than merely exploring ideas or determining risks.