What is an appropriate initial question when starting an investigation?

The appropriate initial question when starting an investigation is focused on understanding the facts surrounding the situation. Asking "What happened?" allows the investigator to gather essential information about the incident or issue at hand. This question encourages the collection of details regarding the events that occurred, the individuals involved, and the context in which the situation took place.

Starting with this question sets a neutral tone for the investigation and enables the investigative team to create a factual foundation before delving deeper into analysis and conclusions. It leads to a clearer understanding of the situation, which is vital for making informed decisions regarding next steps.

In contrast, the other questions tend to lead the inquiry in a specific direction or assume certain conclusions prematurely. For instance, asking "Why did this happen?" requires a level of analysis that isn't possible until the facts are established. Similarly, questioning "What should we do about it?" prematurely focuses on solutions rather than understanding the situation. Finally, "Who is responsible?" places blame or accountability upfront, which can hinder the objective gathering of information and may lead to biases in the investigation process. Hence, beginning with "What happened?" is the most effective way to launch an investigation.