What does the '5 Whys' technique aim to achieve in problem-solving?

The '5 Whys' technique is a fundamental problem-solving method used to identify the root cause of an issue by asking "why" multiple times, typically five. By continuing to question the answers provided, this technique encourages a deeper examination of the underlying causes rather than just addressing superficial symptoms. The goal is to move beyond initial observations and insights to reach a more profound understanding of why the problem is occurring.

In practice, this means that if an organization faces a problem, applying the 5 Whys leads to identifying interconnected issues and patterns, facilitating long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes. Therefore, reaching the root cause helps prevent the recurrence of the problem and might reveal solutions that might not have been considered initially, thus contributing to more effective problem resolution.