Britannia P&I Club and CONOVAH explore the intricate interplay of power dynamics, pressures, and group interactions within the realm of organisational culture.
According to the Club, an organisation has its own dynamics that steer the choices people make. This guide highlights the elements that affect critical decision-making.
The IGLO model considers the dynamics of the INDIVIDUAL (I), THE GROUP (G), LEADERSHIP (L) and THE ORGANISATION (O) in shaping decision-making processes. The IGLO model provides a holistic approach, illuminating how individuals are influenced by their individual factors as well as group dynamics,
leadership and organisational structures when making critical choices. The IGLO model posits that decision-making in safety-critical situations is not solely determined by individual rationality or cognitive biases but is influenced by a broader context. Let’s briefly explore each component of the IGLO model:
- INDIVIDUAL (I): This component focuses on the decision-maker as an individual and acknowledges that their psychological mechanisms, cognitive biases, emotions, and past experiences play a significant role in decision-making. Understanding the individual’s personality traits, emotional intelligence, and coping strategies provides insights into their approach to risk and safety.
- GROUP (G): Group dynamics have a profound impact on decision-making. Within a team or crew, individuals interact, communicate, and influence each other’s judgments. The need for belonging, social norms, and power dynamics within the group can either enhance or hinder safety-related choices.
- LEADERSHIP (L): Leadership plays a pivotal role within the IGLO model. An organisation’s culture, leadership style, and values shape individual behaviour and choices. Effective leadership fosters a safety culture, sets clear roles, and establishes a climate of psychological safety, all of which influence decision-making.
- ORGANISATION (O): The organisation’s culture, values, and leadership significantly shape the decision-making context. Factors such as safety culture, clear roles and responsibilities, communication channels, and the prioritisation of safety impact how individuals perceive risks and make choices.
What is psychological safety?
Psychological safety means feeling safe enough in a group or work environment to speak your mind, ask questions, or make mistakes without fearing
negative consequences like ridicule or punishment. In a psychologically safe space, people feel comfortable being themselves and are more willing to contribute ideas. Psychological safety serves as the foundation for open and effective communication within an organisation. It acts as a compass, guiding team members to voice their thoughts, questions, and concerns without fear of judgement or backlash.
- The role of trust
Trust is an essential component of psychological safety. In an atmosphere of trust, individuals are more likely to take the risk of speaking up, knowing
that their contributions will be valued rather than ridiculed or ignored. Alongside trust, a genuine interest in each other’s perspectives promotes an open dialogue. This is critical for thorough decision-making, especially in safety-critical situations where multiple viewpoints can provide a fuller picture of potential risks and solutions.
Psychological safety enriches the decision-making process by enabling open and honest communication. In safety-critical situations, this freedom to speak
and the feeling of being heard can make all the difference. Psychological safety facilitates the free flow of information, dissolving communication barriers. This contributes to a well-rounded decision-making process that is resilient to blind spots and biases.
Fostering accountability and inclusivity
When people feel psychologically safe, they are more accountable for their actions and decisions. A psychologically safe environment also encourages
inclusivity, recognising that diverse perspectives lead to better decisionmaking.
On a vessel, the chief engineer encourages a culture of psychological safety within the engineering team. During routine maintenance tasks, team members
are empowered to voice any concerns or potential safety issues without fear of backlash. This open communication allows the team to identify and address
potential hazards early, leading to improved safety practices and a more resilient work environment.
