International Conference on Human and Organizational Aspects of Assuring Nuclear Safety – Exploring 30 Years of Safety Culture

Unique Problems of Nuclear Technology and the Need for Humble Inquiry

22 Feb 2016, 16:45

45m

Boardroom B/M1 (IAEA HQ)

Keynote Presentation OP: Setting the Scene

Speaker

Edgar Schein (USA)

Synopsis

The concept of Safety Culture is widely accepted but not very well understood. In this paper I argue that the components of safety culture all hinge on whether the executives in the nuclear plant actually create the climate of trust and openness that the other attributes hinge on. The right kind of executive behaviour is especially important in nuclear plants and sites because of the unique characteristics of nuclear technology. In order to create the climate of trust and openness that is required I explain the concept of Humble Leadership as the essential characteristic needed in nuclear plan executives