Which of the following is NOT a typical step in conducting a root cause analysis?

• A. Define the problem
• B. Collect data
• C. Identify root causes using tools
• D. Implement punitive actions

Answer: (D)

The focus of root cause analysis is to uncover underlying factors in a process or system that lead to a problem, so you can prevent it from happening again. That means you start by clearly defining the problem, then collect and examine data, and use structured tools to drill down to the root causes. Implementing punitive actions, on the other hand, is about disciplining individuals after a problem occurs. It doesn’t help you identify why the problem happened, can discourage people from reporting issues, and may distort data, so it isn’t part of the usual analytical workflow. After pinpointing root causes, you would typically develop and apply corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness.