Inquiries

An inquiry is the act of asking for information or examining a matter to determine facts. In everyday language, inquiries range from simple questions to formal investigations. The plural form, inquiries, is used for multiple questions or processes.

In government and law, an inquiry often denotes a formal process designed to establish what happened and why. Such inquiries are typically authorized by law or official mandate and may involve terms of reference, hearings, witness testimony, and evidence collection. The findings are usually compiled into a report with recommendations for policy or practice.

In education and research, inquiry refers to inquiry-based approaches that begin with questions posed by students or researchers. The process emphasizes exploration, evidence gathering, critical analysis, and the testing of hypotheses. It aims to develop understanding rather than to deliver predetermined answers.

In business and journalism, inquiries involve requests for information from customers, stakeholders, or the public. Organizations often manage inquiries through help desks or information protocols, with expectations for timely responses. Journalistic inquiries pursue verification and fact-finding through interviews, records, and data analysis.

Common elements across settings include clarity about the question or mandate, defined scope, appropriate channels for submission, a means to document the response, and considerations of privacy and accuracy. The effectiveness of inquiries depends on access to information, transparency, and the ability to follow up as needed.