Assignment 4.2: Technology and Safety Science and High-Reliability Organizations

Assignment 4.2: Technology and Safety Science and High-Reliability Organizations Student’s Name Institution Course # and Name Professor’s Name Submission Date Part I: High-Reliability Organizations Characteristics and Challenges of High-Reliability Organizations (HRO) HROs are organizations committed to minimal error rates and the sustenance of safety in highly risky settings. Relevant characteristics of HROs include preoccupation with failure, all team members showing vigilance about finding possible shortcomings, and reluctance to develop a full comprehension of problems rather than just reducing them to basics. In addition, HROs are sensitive to operations, committed to resilience, and defer to expertise, which allows decisions to be made with the knowledge of the most knowledgeable people (Nash et al., 2019). The creation and maintenance of this kind of culture become expensive due to factors such as reflection practices guaranteed over time, overcoming resistance to changes in practices, and effective communication from all levels. My organization shares some qualities with HRO, like a focus on safety and structured leadership. However, the organization must match the operational sensitivity and resilience displayed in HROs. The universal skill bundle path described by Nash et al. (2019) will be relevant for the organization. Growth and development will emphasize increased training, practical communication, and leadership development, which would best support continuous improvement in the organization. How Social and Cognitive Skills Can Create a Culture of Safety and High Reliability Social and cognitive skills form the base that creates a safety culture and high reliability in organizations. Effective communication, teamwork, and trust among employees are key social skills. In such an environment, issues can be raised, criticism made, and concerns handled without fear of retaliatory action. Collaboration in an organization is considered a cornerstone for safety. Situational awareness, problem-solving, and critical thinking will allow proper anticipation of risks and informed decisions. Social and cognitive skills create an environment that values quality care delivery across all services provided (Nasho et al., 2019). Employees will comfortably discuss the challenges in their workplace and expect the administration to address them. Best Skill for My Organization Situational awareness is one of the cognitive skills that will be most valuable to my organization in pursuit of improved safety and reliability. Situational awareness can keep individuals tuned into their e...