Common causes of variation are also sometimes referred to as what?

Common causes of variation are often referred to as "system causes" or "chance causes" because they are inherent to the process and occur consistently over time. These variations are predictable and arise from the regular functioning of the system or process. Unlike special causes of variation, which are identifiable and can typically be traced to specific events or changes, common causes are part of the system's design and operation.

Understanding the distinction between common causes and special causes is crucial for quality improvement efforts, as it helps teams identify whether they should make changes to the system itself or address specific issues that are causing variation. Recognizing common causes allows organizations to create stabilization in processes and focus on improving the system as a whole for consistent quality outcomes.