Definition (1):
Basic corrective action looks at how and why performance deviated before correcting the source of deviation. It’s not unusual for managers to rationalize that they don’t have time to find the source of a problem and continue to perpetually “put out fires” with immediate corrective action.
Definition (2):
Immediate corrective action handles a problem from its surface layer. It is focused on the outcome and not the reason whereas basic corrective action searches for the reason of the problem and takes corrective action.
Definition (3):
“Basic corrective action goes beyond fixing the problem at hand and attempts to find-and correct-the underlying causes of the problem.” For instance, there may be several reasons for a building project getting behind schedule like lack of enough labor, delay in receiving materials, scheduling conflicts, inefficient supervision or workers, and the like. Reaching to the situation’s bottom can save time, money, and trouble of managers. For instance, instead of hiring extra (expensive) carpenters on a project of building, a manager can learn that s/he just needs scheduling them better and thus the problem can be solved.