NASA promises to break culture of silence: CNN

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SUMMARY

NASA has acknowledged a significant issue within its organizational culture, particularly highlighted by the Columbia disaster, where engineers failed to communicate critical concerns due to fear of repercussions. This culture of silence hindered effective decision-making and problem-solving during crucial moments. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift towards an environment that encourages open dialogue and accountability among team members to prevent future tragedies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of organizational behavior and communication dynamics
  • Familiarity with aerospace engineering principles
  • Knowledge of risk management in high-stakes environments
  • Awareness of NASA's operational protocols and historical context
NEXT STEPS
  • Research strategies for fostering open communication in engineering teams
  • Explore case studies on organizational culture in high-risk industries
  • Learn about risk assessment frameworks used in aerospace projects
  • Investigate NASA's initiatives for cultural change post-Columbia disaster
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Aerospace engineers, organizational psychologists, risk management professionals, and anyone involved in leadership roles within high-stakes environments will benefit from this discussion.

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"JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, Texas (AP) -- The space shuttle engineers who desperately wanted zoom-in satellite pictures of the damaged Columbia in orbit never spoke up at key meetings and never told the manager in charge of the flight.

They were too uncomfortable. Too afraid. "

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/07/27/sprj.colu.nasa.culture.ap/index.html
 
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In a field like that it makes things worse to set up an atmosphere where people just do what they're told but then that is the way a successful business is supposed to run these days.
 
Originally posted by jammieg
In a field like that it makes things worse to set up an atmosphere where people just do what they're told ...

Well, NASA is always trying to escape the atmosphere...:wink:
 

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