The simple steps for establishing a Just Culture are to:-
• Recognise that trust needs to be built throughout the organization at all levels • Ensure the Just Culture policy is agreed at executive level ensuring buy in from all employees. • Ensure the policy is fully communicated throughout the organisation on a routine basis. • Ensure that, within the policy, definitions should be agreed about what is “acceptable” behaviour, and what is “not acceptable”. (Note: these will be specific to, and aligned with, values derived from national, organizational and professional cultures). • Ensure that sanctions are agreed for unacceptable behaviour. • Ensure that a process is established to deal with actions that might be considered to be in the “grey area”. • Ensure that reporting systems linked to Just Culture policy are in place and work efficiently. • Ensure that reports are followed-up and actions taken to address error-producing conditions. • Ensure that the treatment of individuals who submit reports is fair and consistent.
BUILDING A JUST CULTURE
Forging a ‘Just Culture’ into the DNA of a UAS business and industry doesn’t happen overnight. It takes many years of promotion and emphasis ( and even a little evangelism) such that it becomes second nature to all operating within it. It is a top down process achieved through persistence, requiring strong, ethical leadership at strategic and operational level and buy in from all staff. The end goal is a virtuous circle which benefits all in the community framework of business and industry.
A wise person once said that the products of a fully functioning Just Culture are the unseen activities that happen as a matter of course every day. In essence, 'what an organisation/individual does when something goes wrong and nobody is looking'. This is the real test. So the important question is: what do you or your organisation do when something goes wrong and nobody is looking?
Craig Lippett is a consultant offering a range of multi-disciplinary services to the unmanned aviation industry