According to the Pareto principle, what percentage of sources cause 80% of problems?

The correct choice reflects the essence of the Pareto principle, which posits that a small number of causes or sources are often responsible for a large proportion of effects or problems. Specifically, in many situations, approximately 80% of problems can be attributed to just 20% of the causes. This concept is widely used in quality management and problem-solving methodologies to identify and prioritize the most significant issues that require attention.

Understanding the Pareto principle allows organizations to focus their efforts on the most impactful sources, enabling more efficient use of resources and maximizing the effect of interventions aimed at quality improvement. By concentrating on the vital few causes rather than the trivial many, organizations can achieve better outcomes and effectively address quality and safety concerns.

The other percentage options do not align with the established interpretation of the Pareto principle, which is specifically about the 80/20 relationship, making the 20% figure the appropriate answer in this context.