Which tool is commonly used for problem-solving in TQM?

The 5 Whys technique is a fundamental tool used in Total Quality Management (TQM) for problem-solving because it helps to drill down into the root cause of an issue. This method involves asking "why" repeatedly—typically five times—until the fundamental cause of a problem is identified. This allows teams to move beyond the symptoms of a problem and address the underlying issues that need to be resolved to prevent recurrence.

Using this technique encourages critical thinking and fosters a culture of accountability, as team members must analyze the relationship between cause and effect in their processes. It is particularly effective in identifying weaknesses in operations, making it a favored method in TQM initiatives, where the focus is on continual improvement and quality assurance.

While the other tools mentioned have their own importance in different contexts, they either serve broader strategic purposes, like SWOT analysis and cost-benefit analysis, or focus on particular aspects of problem identification but don’t dig as deeply into root causes as the 5 Whys does. For example, a fishbone diagram is also useful for visualizing potential causes of a problem, but it does not provide the same systematic approach to uncovering root causes consistently as the 5 Whys technique does.