High Reliability Organizing (HRO)

A high-reliability organization (HRO) is an organization that has succeeded in avoiding catastrophes despite a high level of risk and complexity. Specific examples that have been studied, include nuclear power plants, air traffic control systems, as well as naval aircraft carriers, healthcare organizations and forest management. In each case, even a minor error could have catastrophic consequences, but adverse outcomes in these organizations are rare. How is that possible?

When something terrible happens within an HRO, the public’s initial response may be shock and anger, but often an insightful observer will point out that it is actually amazing that these types of organizations can succeed with any regularity at all (or do not fail more often).

Researchers have defined the commonalities of high-reliability organizations and uncovered five elements that HROs have in common. These elements are essential for avoiding significant failure or catastrophic events despite operating in a hazardous environment where lives are at stake. While your organization may not face such complexity and risk, applying the HRO mindset can help your team reach its highest potential and reliably keep its promises.

The five elements are:

• Preoccupation with Failure: process failures are addressed immediately and completely
• Reluctance to Simplify: complex problems get complex solutions
• Sensitivity to Operations: every voice mattersf
• Commitment to Resilience: recovery is swift
• Deference to Expertise: experts are trusted

SyRiM can determine to what extent your organization applies these principles and incorporate the HRO philosophy in your management system.

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