Definition of root cause analysis in the Quality Glossary A root cause is a factor that caused a nonconformance and should be eliminated permanently through process improvement. The root cause is the most fundamental issue—the most fundamental reason—that sets in motion the entire cause-and-effect chain reaction that eventually leads to the problem(s). Root cause analysis (RCA) is a broad word that refers to a variety of approaches, tools, and procedures used to identify the root causes of problems. Some RCA approaches are more focused on discovering genuine root causes than others, while others are more general problem-solving procedures. Still others simply provide support for the basic activity of root cause analysis. Root cause analysis history Root cause analysis approaches Performing a root cause analysis Resources for root cause analysis The broader discipline of total quality management (TQM) can be traced back to root cause analysis. TQM has evolved in a variety of directions, including problem analysis, problem solutions, and root cause analysis. Root cause analysis is a component of a broader problem-solving process and an essential component of continuous improvement. As a result, root cause analysis is a critical component of every organization's continuous improvement initiatives. It is vital to highlight that root cause analysis will not create outcomes on its own; it must be integrated into a bigger problem-solving effort for quality improvement.