What is the main purpose of conducting a root cause analysis (RCA)?

The main purpose of conducting a root cause analysis (RCA) is to identify the underlying causes of incidents in order to prevent their recurrence. RCA is a systematic process used to understand why a problem occurred and what can be done to prevent it in the future. By focusing on the root causes rather than the symptomatic issues, organizations can implement effective solutions that address the source of the problem, ultimately leading to fewer incidents and improved reliability.

This approach is particularly valuable in mission-critical environments where understanding the core issues can help avoid future disruptions. While improving employee training, increasing customer satisfaction, and enhancing marketing strategies are important goals for organizations, they do not capture the primary objective of RCA, which is centered around problem-solving and prevention of future issues. Thus, the focus on identifying underlying causes uniquely defines the purpose of root cause analysis.