Why or How? is it even important?

Most people are aware of the 5 Why Analysis, simple but stable analysis technique, ideally suited for the simple incidents and problems statement

The process is simple, you keep asking why a problem occurred until you find the root cause of the incident.

Know we can speak all day about the fallacy of root cause analysis, this may cause debate, but very very rarely there is a single root cause of an incident. For example, Pipe Alpha Distear was not solely down to a loosely fitted flange following a pump change, but a series of complex changes and systemic issues that all a unique sequence of events that resulted in the loose of 167 men, the platform itself and environmental impact in the North Sea.

But is the word Why the right word and does it matter? “How” and “why” are both interrogative words, but they answer different questions. “How” answers questions like “by what method?” “to what degree?” “in what condition?” and many more. Whereas, “why” answers questions like “for what purpose or reason?”

So let's look at an example, How is a  flange fitted?, This question needs to be answered by showing the method how it’s fitted, what was the understanding of the people fitting it; whereas,

Why is the flange loose? Answers a question which asks about the reasons or circumstances why the flange was fitted loosely. adding the context into the equation, check the fifth principle of Human Performance, can imply, judgement and fault on the party fitting the flange which could lead them being defensive or even to close up and not providing there key inputs

They have absolutely different answers and cannot be confused with each other. Remember the context influences behaviour. Therefore it's important to structure the question thoughtfully to get the full and complete story on why an incident occurred, therefore, helping you to put the correct corrective actions in place. 

Only when we take the deliberate action to learn the story of the incident can we fully understand the actors in play can we then start to think about change and improvements that need to be undertaken.

So next time you reach for your 5 Why tool kit for a simple incident, pause and reflect, is Why the correct word or should we be asking How? Give the 5 Hows a try and see for yourself.