What are RCAs fundamentally intended for?

Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) are primarily intended for conducting thorough investigations to identify the underlying reasons for events or failures within a system. The main goal of an RCA is to understand not just what happened, but why it happened, so that effective solutions can be implemented to prevent recurrence. This aligns closely with conducting event reviews, as both involve examining specific incidents in detail to draw insights and improve processes.

The focus of an RCA is not on assigning blame or punishment, which is a misunderstanding of their purpose. They are also not about evaluating individual performance or holding people accountable in a punitive way, as such approaches could inhibit honest reporting and learning. Instead, RCAs foster an environment where issues can be examined openly and systematically to improve systems, processes, and practices.

In summary, the essence of RCAs lies in their role as a tool for event reviews, aimed at learning and improving rather than assigning fault or evaluating personal performance.