Just Culture
Culture
A “just culture” is a system of shared accountability that enables employees to feel comfortable with self-disclosing their honest mistakes without fear of losing their jobs. A just culture ensures that there’s shared accountability for both positive and adverse events in an organization, and, as well, a systematic sharing of safety-related information between an organization and its employees.
For example, a front-line operator will not be punished for a mistaken action, omission or decision that is commensurate with his experience and training. (That does not, however, excuse gross negligence, willful violations and destructive acts, which should not and will not be tolerated.)
A “just culture” environment evolves over time when the approach to it is focused on identifying risk and system failures, and not on seeking out and blaming people. It’s a “top-down” approach that starts with buy-in from your leadership team.
Just Culture Framework
- Employers (e.g., flight department) must design a reporting and communication system that enables their employees to self-disclose errors.
- Employees must be held accountable for the quality of their choices and feel safe in the reporting of their mistakes or errors without fear of losing their jobs.
- Employers must be able to respond to their employees in a fair and just manner.
An effective “just culture” enables flight departments to:
- Develop a strong culture of safety in which staffers are managed fairly when involved in an error, mistake or adverse event.
- Create a safe and transparent environment that encourages the reporting of mistakes and hazards and ultimately improves the service provided to travelers.
- Continuously improve safety measures while helping employees feel more secure in their decision-making. Be successful when implementing a self-reporting system, such as the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).
