Lean, quality improvement & root cause · Core
Five Whys
Also called: 5 Whys
ELI5
Repeatedly asking why to explore a chain of causes.
Used in conversation
“Show where five Whys happens in the operating model and who receives the handoff.”
Pitch context
You will see “Five Whys” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches lean, quality improvement & root cause.
Why it matters: In lean, quality improvement & root cause, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16