RCA approaches problem solving by identifying and treating the underlying (root cause) of a problem rather than symptoms.
The material below is from different articles published by Analytical Activism, I suggest you click on each link to obtain an overview of their methodology related to RCA.
Social entrepreneurs who target wicked problems will need to address RCA in implementing system solutions.
Suggest reviewing Appendix 1 of the Practitioner Guide and the Toolbox to review additional tools that can assist problem solving.
ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS-ANALYTICAL ACTIVISM
Definition of root cause as the deepest cause in a causal chain that can be resolved, plus additional criteria as needed for the problem type. Following causal flow by starting at problem symptoms and working backward to the root causes.
Principle 1. Root Cause Resolution
Difficult complex system problems can be solved only by resolving their root causes.
Principle 2. Sufficient Process Maturity
The more difficult the problem, the better the solution process must be
Principle 3. Sub-problem Decomposition
Difficult social problems are too complex to solve without decomposition
1-How to overcome change resistance
2-How to Achieve Proper Coupling
3-How to Avoid Excessive
Solution Model Drift
Principle 4. Understanding Causal Structure
The behavior of a social system emerges from its causal structure. Social system structure is the nodes, relationships, and interacting feedback loops that describe what causes the dynamic behavior of the system.
Principle 5. Model Based Problem Solving
Difficult social problems are too complex to solve without developing a glass box model (Computer model)
Principle 6. Consideration of Dominant Social Agents
The goals of a social system’s dominant social agents determine the fundamental behavior of the system.
Principle 7. Viewpoint of Defect Resolution
Social system problems are best seen as a process with an unacceptably high defect rate. The defects are emitted by the social system with the problem.
Principle 8. Avoidance of the Fundamental Attribution Error
So that analysis can focus on systemic causes rather than individual social agent causes.
Principle 9. Systemic Change Resistance as a Separate Problem
How to overcome systemic change resistance must be treated as a separate problem to solve.
The Six Laws of Root (R) Cause Analysis
1. All causal problems arise from their root (R) causes.
2. Superficial solutions (S) fail because S < R.
3. Fundamental (F) solutions can succeed because they can be designed such that F> R.
4. If analysis shows no F > R exists, the problem is unsolvable.
5. Difficult large-scale social problems have multiple root causes.
6. Due to lock-in, difficult systemic problems can be solved only by correctly engineered mode changes.
ROOT CAUSE DEFINITION
1. It is clearly a major cause of the problem symptoms.
2. It has no productive deeper cause.
3. It can be resolved.
4. Its resolution will not create bigger problems. Side effects must be considered.
5. There is no better root cause. All alternatives have been considered.
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