12 - Toward learning organization—practices in Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

The chapter brings up practitioner’s voice from the nuclear power plant point of view. Importance of learning organization (LO) is recognized in business research and also nuclear industry community. LO is seen as a sign of developed safety culture in the industry guidelines (like International Atomic Energy Agency, INSAG-15). In the literature, several definitions and approaches to LO can be found. This chapter follows IAEA INSAG-4 definition of safety culture, where building blocks of culture are attitudes and organizational routines. The chapter presents both ways to assess and to promote organizational learning. Emphasis is on practices and routines (such as event-based learning, self-assessments, benchmarking, external operating experience, and external assessments) that support learning in organization.