The 5-Whys technique

The 5-Whys technique is used to examine the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology of Six Sigma. Estola (2011) claims that the method does not require hypothesis testing, data segmentation, or regression to determine the root cause of a specific problem within an organization.

The researcher can eliminate the layers of symptoms that lead to the source of a crisis by simply asking the “why” question repeatedly. The apparent reason for the first “why” inquiry difficulty frequently leads the investigator to another question.

The technique is used to identify the source of an issue.Also, the five-why technique can be used to analyze the relationship and the interactions of the contributing factors to a given problem. Lastly, the technique is easy to complete without any organized research.

Using the Technique to Investigate the Potential Cause of Security Breach

The objective of this paper is to investigate the cause of a particular security breach to remove the blame from the staff. The first step is to define the problem statement:

Problem Statement: there are deficiencies in processes and management systems causing a security breach.

The following why questions apply in this case:

1. Why are there security breaches?

– Because the security agents are not doing their work properly.

2. Why are the security agents are not doing their work properly?

– Because the security supervisors are not engaging them on matters of their concern.

3. Why are security supervisors not engaging the security team to discuss matters?

– Because the management has deployed security supervisor to the sales department.

4. Why did the management transfer the security chiefs to the sales department?

– Because the CEO thought sales were important than the security.

5. Why did the CEO think sales were important than the security?

– Because some workers have resigned citing poor working conditions.

In this case, the five-why technique established that the watchmen are not to blame for the insecurity cases witnessed in the company.

Reference

Estola, M. (2011). Marine safety: tools for risk-based decision making. Rockville, MD: Government Institutes, ABS Consulting.