Normal Accident Theory Research Articles

A Proposal for Integrating Theories of Complexity for Better Understanding Global Systemic Risks.

The global financial crisis of 2008 has shown that the present financial system involves global systemic risks. The dimension of these risks is hard to grasp with the conceptual tools that have been developed to tackle conventional risks like fire or car accidents. While modern societies know quite well how to deal with conventional risks, we have not yet been equally successful at dealing with global systemic risks. For managing this kind of risks, one needs to understand critical features of specific global systems where many human agents interact in ever changing complex networks. Here we apply two specific dimensions of complexity theory for dealing with global systemic risk in an integrated fashion: normal accidents and extended evolution. Both of them have successfully been applied to the analysis of systemic risks. As a paradigmatic example of global systemic risks, we focus on the global financial crisis that began in 2008, and suggest that the future evolution of the financial system could either see a further increase in complexity, or a reversal to a less complex system. We explore and contrast the implications of normal accident theory and extended evolution perspectives and suggest a four-point research strategy informed by complexity theory for better understanding global systemic risks in financial systems.

Cultivating Safety in the Information Technology Era

In the information technology era, the banking industry must compete in an external environment characterized by high levels of uncertainty, complexity and change. Accidents in high-risk manufacturing organizations are generally related to safety studies. The researcher attempted to study "accidents" due to network vulnerabilities in IT-based organizations using the safety concept. This qualitative study is important because it provides analysis of IT support for organizational development. This study used multi-case study and grounded research approaches. The process of developing an information safety climate is considered an alternative solution other than technology. The study revealed that normal accident theory can be used to explain accidents in IT-based organizations. The process of developing an information security climate in banking organizations is categorized as the emergency type. The manifestation of information safety climate is attentiveness, accountability, ethical sensitivity, integrity and sustainability. Phases that need to be undergone in cultivating the safety climate are: adaptation, learning, awareness to risk, and resilience. Thus, it can be concluded that the climate of an IT-based organization is different from the climate of a non technology-based organization.

System Approach in Road Safety Studies

The road safety management methodology should be based on a system approach. This means that the road transport must be formalized as a complex system (CS), and then safety can be interpreted as an emergent feature of such a system. Road accidents should be interpreted as "organizational accidents". They should be studied using concepts such as "normal accident theory" (NAT) and "highly reliable organization" (HRO). The main purpose of the article is to show the usefulness of these concepts for the road safety and risk management, especially in Polish conditions. The system approach to road safety research (and transport safety) will allow for the better safety results.

Normal accidents in interior firefighting operations – a study on the German system

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons behind the occurrence of serious accidents during interior firefighting operations of the German fire services despite numerous and significant safety improvements.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a case study relying on accident investigation reports from four accidents that happened in Germany between 2005 and 2016.FindingsThe study finds that the system of interior attack firefighting in Germany is a tightly coupled and complex system, as described by the normal accident theory, and that all four cases were caused by unanticipated interactions between components of the system and were therefore system accidents as described by the normal accident theory. This means that these accidents were ultimately caused by the properties of the system that make it susceptible to system accidents.Research limitations/implicationsTo prevent these accidents, there is a need to change the properties of the system that make it susceptible to system accidents.Practical implicationsThe study identifies factors that make the system inherently dangerous. Hence, practical measures can be undertaken to counter these factors and make the system safer.Originality/valueThis study is the first application of the normal accident theory to the operations of the fire services in general, and it is the first theory-guided inquiry into accidents of the German fire services. The findings of this paper provide new explanations for accidents and new approaches to improve safety during interior attack firefighting operations.

Diagnosis of delivery vulnerability in a logistics system for logistics risk management

PurposeDelivery vulnerability is a critically important theme in logistics risk management. However, while logistics service providers often collect and retain massive amounts of logistics data, they seldom utilize such information to diagnose recurrent day-to-day logistics risks. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate delivery vulnerabilities in a logistics system using its own accumulated data.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes pragmatic business analytics to derive insights on logistics risk management from operations data in a logistics system. Additionally, normal accident theory informs the discussion of its management implications.FindingsThis study’s analytical results reveal that a tightly coupled logistics system can align with normal accident theory. Specifically, the vulnerabilities of such a system comprise not only multi-components but also interactive ones.Research limitations/implicationsThe tailored business analytics comprise a research foundation for logistics risk management. Additionally, the important research implications of this study’s analytical results arrived at via such results’ integration with normal accident theory demonstrate the value of that theory to logistics risk management.Practical implicationsThe trade-offs between logistics risk and logistics-system efficiency should be carefully evaluated. Moreover, improvements to such systems’ internal resilience can help to alleviate potential logistics vulnerabilities.Originality/valueThis pioneering analytical study scrutinizes the critical vulnerability issues of a logistics service provider and therefore represents a valuable contribution to the field of logistics risk management. Moreover, it provides a guide to retrieving valuable insights from existing stockpiles of delivery-vulnerability data.

Uncovering the Link between Strategic Human Resource Management and Crisis Management: Mediating Role of Organizational Resilience

The paper has attempted to examine a critical link between the strategic human resource management and crisis management. In this, the authors have taken a major drive to statistically test mediation and moderation simultaneously. Drawing upon the normal accident theory, the present study examined the link between strategic human resource management (SHRM) and crisis management through the mediation of organizational resilience. By adopting quantitative research approach, the data were collected from 176 HR managers of textile firms in Pakistan through survey method. The data were analysed by employing PLS-SEM technique. Results revealed that SHRM is positively linked with crisis management through the mediating effect of organizational resilience. In general, the results revealed that organizational resilience plays a key role in facilitating the relationship between SHRM and crisis management. The paper forwards notable implications for theory and practice followed by scope for future studies to enthusiastic scholars in the domain of HRM, strategic HRM and crisis management.

Developing human resource data risk management in the age of big data

In recent years, a great deal of attention has been devoted to trying to understand the risk challenges that arise in information management, and most recently, challenges that arise due to big data. In this article, the complexities of big data for employers are explored, drawing on a risk management on Human Resources (HR) perspective and normal accident theory (NAT) to illustrate the evolving characteristics of these complexities. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations that focus on education, design in data collection, and risk management, in the hope that these recommendations enable employers to better anticipate and address emerging big data challenges.

Normal Autonomous Accidents: What Happens When Killer Robots Fail?

Over the past decade there has been much written on lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) commonly known as “killer robots”. This includes legal, ethical and moral concerns as well as issues related to responsibility. And yet, for all of the discussion directed to concerns about what happens when something goes wrong, there is less attention paid as to how it will go wrong. The main difference between LAWS and our current weapons systems is the freedom they will have to make decisions on the battlefield, creating unique challenges for how we regulate such weapons. Not only is it potentially more difficult to verify the reliable behavior of LAWS, but the consequences of an accident could potentially be more severe. As such, starting from the assumption that LAWS will be significantly more complex than our present weapons systems, this paper uses Charles Perrow’s Normal Accident Theory (and its critics) to explore the concerns raised over LAWS through the lens of system failure. Focusing on failure provides new insights into problems related to risk mitigation strategies (such as weapons reviews) and responsibilities (chain of command). Moreover, it also points to preliminary steps the international community can take in regulating future weapons systems

Exploring Accidents Prevention and Management on the High Risk System: Beyond Normal Accident Theory on the Risk Management of Hazardous Chemicals

Exploring Accidents Prevention and Management on the High Risk System: Beyond Normal Accident Theory on the Risk Management of Hazardous Chemicals

Supply chain disruption propagation: a systemic risk and normal accident theory perspective

When a disruption occurs in a firm, its effects are often felt throughout the supply chain. As supply chains expand globally and companies pursue velocity and efficiency, the probability of disruptions propagating throughout a chain grows. In this paper, we employ a qualitative, grounded theory case study approach to help understand what drives supply chain disruption propagation and to provide theoretical insights into this emerging area. For a more complete perspective, we study three interconnected tiers in seven unique supply chains. Each supply chain triad consists of (1) a focal firm (a manufacturer), (2) a supplier to the focal firm and (3) a customer of the focal firm allowing us to gain perspective from three levels in multiple supply chains. Three aggregate dimensions are defined which help explain the propagation of supply chain disruptions: the nature of the disruption, structure and dependence, and managerial decision-making. Within these dimensions, six themes are identified giving an increased level of granularity into disruption propagation: correlation of risk, compounding effects, cyclical linkages, counterparty risk, herding and misaligned incentives. Organisations should consider these themes and their interactions to effectively deal with supply chain disruptions.

Rear view mirror, crystal ball: Predictions for the future of data protection law based on the history of environmental protection law

Several authors have compared the impact of Big Data to the environmental impact of industrialisation (Kuneva, 2009, Schneier, 2013, Hirsch, 2006). This analogy seems useful: like the exhaust and use of chemical compounds, the omnipresent generation and subsequent use of personal data can impact individuals as well as society as a whole. Similarly to the effects of industrialisation, adverse side-effects of datafication on individuals, societies and ecosystems could manifest themselves only years later and in seemingly unrelated contexts.Industrialised societies have enacted laws in response to the adverse environmental effects of industrialisation. Theories from modern sociology and public awareness have played a significant role in this process. Similarly, the European Union has enacted the General Data Protection Regulation to address the risks of processing of personal data. But laws tend to come only after any negative impact has become sufficiently apparent. This has spurred the introduction of precaution- and discourse-based management of unknown risks. The GDPR appears to implement these risk management mechanisms less extensively than current environmental protection laws.As with the effects of industrialisation, the side-effects of datafication cannot be entirely known in advance. Privacy is currently a prime concern, but datafication can also affect entire societies if it results in a “digital panopticon”. Considering the influence of Risk Society Theory and Normal Accident Theory, two important social theories concerning industrial hazards, this article proposes a number of areas where future iterations of data protection law can be developed.

EFFECT OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SAFETY PLANNING IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMS IN STATE CORPORATIONS IN NAKURU TOWN, KENYA

Occupational health and safety is a fundamental concept that continues to be associated with human resource issues. The importance of OHS programs is founded on the premise that the workforce requires care just like any other resources within an organization. Needless to say, State corporations are subject to health and safety issues. These firms presumptively face numerous challenges bordering on health and safety of their employees. Though, employees are expected to work in environments where their health and safety are assured, sometimes this is not the case. This justifies the essence of having sound OHS programs in place and ensures they are fully implemented. Generally, the study sought to examine the role played by the HR function in the implementation of OHS in the State corporations in Nakuru town, Kenya. In particular, the study investigated the influence of training on OHS programs, appraisal of OHS programs, audit of OHS programs, and planning of OHS programs on the implementation of OHS programs in State corporations. It was guided by four theories which included economic theory, theory of compensating wage differentials, Perrow’s normal accident theory, and social judgment theory. This study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study targeted the 919 employees working with State corporations in Nakuru town. Stratified random sampling technique was used to draw sampled respondents from the target population. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect primary data. Both reliability and validity of the research instrument were determined prior to data collection for the main study. The collected primary data was processed and analyzed with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) analytical tool. Data analysis was in form of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings were presented in form of statistical tables. The study found out that the human resource function played a considerable role in the implementation of OHS programs in State corporations in Nakuru town. More specifically, the implementation of OHS programs in the said organizations was noted to be significantly and positively influenced by training on OHS programs, appraisal of OHS programs, audit of OHS programs, and planning of OHS programs. The study recommended that that training on health and safety issues should be emphasized; appraisal of these programs are upheld and conducted regularly; OHS audit should be regularly conducted by the internal human resource department; and corporations should involve all stakeholders and planning professionals in the planning of OHS matters.

Big Data: A Normal Accident Waiting to Happen?

Widespread commercial use of the internet has significantly increased the volume and scope of data being collected by organisations. ‘Big data’ has emerged as a term to encapsulate both the technical and commercial aspects of this growing data collection activity. To date, much of the discussion of big data has centred upon its transformational potential for innovation and efficiency, yet there has been less reflection on its wider implications beyond commercial value creation. This paper builds upon normal accident theory (NAT) to analyse the broader ethical implications of big data. It argues that the strategies behind big data require organisational systems that leave them vulnerable to normal accidents, that is to say some form of accident or disaster that is both unanticipated and inevitable. Whilst NAT has previously focused on the consequences of physical accidents, this paper suggests a new form of system accident that we label data accidents. These have distinct, less tangible and more complex characteristics and raise significant questions over the role of individual privacy in a ‘data society’. The paper concludes by considering the ways in which the risks of such data accidents might be managed or mitigated.

Improving Patient Safety in Clinical Oncology: Applying Lessons From Normal Accident Theory.

Concerns for patient safety persist in clinical oncology. Within several nonmedical areas (eg, aviation, nuclear power), concepts from Normal Accident Theory (NAT), a framework for analyzing failure potential within and between systems, have been successfully applied to better understand system performance and improve system safety. Clinical oncology practice is interprofessional and interdisciplinary, and our therapies often have narrow therapeutic windows. Thus, many of our processes are, in NAT terms, interactively complex and tightly coupled within and across systems and are therefore prone to unexpected behaviors that can result in substantial patient harm. To improve safety at the University of North Carolina, we have applied the concepts of NAT to our practice to better understand our systems' behavior and adopted strategies to reduce complexity and coupling. Furthermore, recognizing that we cannot eliminate all risks, we have stressed safety mindfulness among our staff to further promote safety. Many specific examples are provided herein. The lessons from NAT are translatable to clinical oncology and may help to promote safety.

Method for quantifying risk factors for system failure and its application to ICT

A method is presented for quantifying the risk factors for system failure that enables the factors to be quantified, monitored and compared among systems. Its use will promote system safety and reliability. The method is introduced by using an interaction and coupling (IC) chart based on normal accident theory. The IC chart is used to classify object systems on the basis of interaction (linear or complex) and coupling (tight or loose), but its effectiveness is limited by the use of subjective classification. The proposed method quantitatively (that is, objectively) measures risk factors and thus compensates for the subjectivity of the IC chart. In conjunction with a system of system failure meta-methodology and a failure factor structuring methodology it can be used to manage information and communication technology (ICT) failures. Application examples in ICT engineering demonstrated that using the proposed method to quantitatively monitor risk factors helps to improve the safety and quality of various object systems.

Improving the robustness and resilience properties of maintenance

Industries with major accident potential, e.g. the process industries, are usually characterized by high degree of technological and organizational complexity, and hence are fortified with layers of protection (barriers). The energy-barrier risk control model is dominant and tends to be applied by such industries over time, sometimes without paying attention to the vulnerability of the complex organizational setting encompassing production, maintenance, support and the environment. In the same vein, process industries may prioritize production at the expense of safety systems and the organizational network. Maintenance is known to be a key means of keeping safety systems functional, yet, in this paper we wish to explore how its values can be further uncovered to improve the robustness and resilience of the socio-technical system as a whole.This paper intends to investigate what robustness and resilience properties exist in maintenance and how these can be improved in relation to maintenance interaction with other areas such as production and support and in turn improve the robustness and resilience of the process industries organization. The objective is to improve the robustness and resilience of the organization as a whole. This is realized on the basis of the perspectives of organizational accidents: energy-barrier model, normal accident theory (NAT), high reliability organizations (HRO) theory, man-made disaster (MMD) theory, conflicting objectives, adaptation and drift (COAD) theory and resilience engineering. Based on this, recommendations for improving the maintenance robustness and resilience were proposed.

The Judas Within: A Look at the Sexual Abuse Crisis in the Catholic Church

Drawing from normal accident theory, high reliability theory, and systems theory, we analyze the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People that is promulgated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in response to the sexual abuses of minors by clergy members. Although the Charter is a step in the right direction, there remain some areas that require immediate attention. In spite of the goodwill processes, the safety of minors must remain the concerted efforts and responsibilities of individuals at all the various levels if the Catholic Church is to prevent further cases of abuse from happening.

OHSAS 18001 certification and operating performance: The role of complexity and coupling

Today, manufacturing firms encounter pressure from multiple stakeholders to manage occupational health and safety issues properly, systematically and transparently. While manufacturing firms commonly use internally developed Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, there is growing pressure to adopt externally certified system such as OHSAS 18001. However, there are conflicting views and little empirical evidence that examines the linkage between OHSAS 18001 certification and operating performance. Hence, this paper examines the impact of OHSAS 18001 on operational performance through three theoretical lenses: Institutional Theory, Normal Accident Theory, and High Reliability Theory. We also investigate how complexity and coupling moderate the relationship between OHSAS 18001 and operational performance. Based on a sample of 211 U.S. listed manufacturing firms with OHSAS 18001 certification, we find that certification leads to significant increases in abnormal performance on safety, sales growth, labor productivity, and profitability and that these benefits increase as complexity and coupling increase.

Mission Command in the Information Age: A Normal Accidents Perspective on Networked Military Operations

Theory on the use of information technology in military operations assumes that bringing together units in an information network helps units to work together. Decentralized command systems such as mission command have been proposed for these networks, so that units can adapt to changes in their turbulent working environments. Others have proposed centralized command systems that permit higher organizational levels to closely direct military operations. This article uses Perrow’s (1984, 1999) Normal Accidents Theory to propose that increasing interdependencies between units in information networks places incompatible demands on the design of networked military operations. It is concluded that networked military operations require decentralized command approaches, but only under the condition that interdependencies between modules of networked units are weak rather than tight. This precondition is essential for retaining control over networked military operations.

On the ontology of safety

This article explores the philosophical foundations of a selection of safety science approaches through investigating the modus operandi of their development and use. It explicitly addresses the importance of distinguishing ontology from epistemology, a claim expressed in the call for papers for this special issue. The importance of rigorous methods when comparing scientific traditions is emphasised, a rigorousness that in this article is ensured by analysing the different safety science approaches from the same point of reference. The underlying ontology of Normal Accident Theory, High Reliability Organisations and Resilience Engineering is explored, as seen through the lens of the prevailing ontology of science and technology studies (STS). The article draws two conclusions. The first is of a theoretical nature: Slightly counterintuitive perhaps, especially considering the enduring debate between Normal Accident Theory and High Reliability Organisations, the three approaches are all found to be based on the same sociotechnical constructivist ontology. The second conclusion explains the ontological difference between the safety theoretical approaches as not grounded in their philosophical underpinnings, but in the way that the results from the ‘original’ studies are adopted and operationalised. This conclusion also illuminates a common and fundamental relational aspect of these safety theories and the danger of compromising their philosophical underpinnings when key concepts of the approaches are decontextualised, black-boxed and adopted uncritically in a new context.