Understanding and assessing safety culture through the lens of organizational management of uncertainty

The management of uncertainties is discussed as a key challenge for organizations and two approaches to handling uncertainties are introduced, i.e. minimizing uncertainties versus coping with uncertainties. The analysis of rules as for instance laid out in standard operating procedures is suggested as one method for identifying the approach to uncertainty management chosen in a particular organization. Given advantages and disadvantages of both approaches to uncertainty management, loose coupling is discussed as a way of balancing the two approaches and a conceptualization of safety culture as a means for loose coupling is proposed. One of the central controversies underlying discussions on designing organizations for safety, i.e. the relationship between autonomy and safety, is expanded upon in order to depend the understanding of different design strategies within the framework of uncertainty management. Finally, it is argued that the role and importance of safety culture differs depending on the chosen approach to uncertainty management, requiring that any safety culture assessment is preceeded by an assessment of the fit between the uncertainties an organization is confronted with and the chosen forms of handling these uncertainties. Methods for carrying out these assessments are suggested. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.