Beware of the Misinterpretation of Psychological Safety

Andreza Araújo

The application of psychological concepts in safety management has gained prominence in recent discussions, particularly in the organizational context. Among the most influential research in this field, Amy Edmondson’s work stands out. Her books, "The Fearless Organization" (2018), focusing on psychological safety in the workplace, and "Right Kind of Wrong" (2023), exploring the science of failing well, are essential references for those looking to understand the importance of psychological safety in organizations.

However, as with any impactful research, there is a significant risk of misinterpretation, distortion, and even improper application of the concepts presented. This issue can be especially harmful in critical safety areas, where people’s lives are at stake.

?? The Trap of Oversimplification:

One of the main risks associated with the popularization of psychological safety is its oversimplification. Psychological safety has often been marketed superficially, leading to applications that do not always align with the complexity of the original concept. Recent studies, such as those by Lainidi et al. (2023) and Montgomery et al. (2023), indicate that this oversimplification may not work as expected, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where the consequences of an error can be severe. The danger here is the creation of a false sense of security, without addressing the core issues effectively.

? Dangers in Critical Safety Environments:

In environments where safety is critical, the misinterpretation of psychological safety concepts can lead to disastrous consequences. For instance, interpreting "learning from failure" as an acceptance of avoidable errors can promote a culture of complacency, especially in high-risk situations. This could result in an undesirable shift of responsibility, where failure is seen as acceptable rather than as a learning point within rigorous safety standards.

?? The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Concepts:

Another complicating factor is the role of social media in disseminating concepts in a simplified and often inaccurate manner. Influencers tend to promote oversimplified or misinterpreted versions of research to maximize engagement, creating a confirmation bias that resists deeper analysis and criticism. This type of viral rhetoric can easily undo significant progress in organizational safety, as "screen time" benefits content creators more than occupational safety and health.

?? Applying Research Responsibly:

Given the potential for distortion, it is essential to apply Edmondson’s research and that of other scholars responsibly. To do so, it is important to:

1. Understand the Original Context: Edmondson clearly differentiates between intelligent failures, which occur in the context of innovation, and avoidable failures, which must be prevented. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper application.
2. Maintain Rigorous Standards: Psychological safety should be viewed as a complement to high safety standards, never as a substitute.
3. Adapt to Context: What works in one sector may not be directly applicable to another. Critical and contextualized thinking is required before applying new concepts.
4. Consult Experts: Before implementing changes based on new research, it is wise to seek the interpretation of experts in the field.

?? The Importance of Safety Culture Maturity

A fundamental aspect to consider when applying concepts like psychological safety is the maturity of the organization’s safety culture. Psychological safety can only be effective in an environment where the safety culture is already well-developed and mature. In a mature safety culture, safety is deeply embedded in organizational practices, and psychological safety concepts are understood and practiced genuinely, rather than applied superficially.

Therefore, it is crucial for organizations to assess the maturity level of their safety culture before attempting to implement new approaches. Only with a clear understanding of the current state of safety culture will it be possible to properly adapt these concepts, ensuring that they truly contribute to improving safety rather than compromising what has already been achieved.

Conclusion

Amy Edmondson’s research offers valuable insights for the development of psychological safety in the workplace. However, it is essential that its application be done with discernment and responsibility, especially in areas where safety is critical. The maturity of the organization’s safety culture is a key factor in the successful implementation of these concepts. Only with a solid and mature safety culture can organizations ensure that psychological safety principles reinforce, rather than weaken, the high safety standards necessary to protect the lives and integrity of workers.

80 Ways to Expand Risk Perception: https://amzn.to/3VbWlAV

Safety Culture: https://bit.ly/3x8IDXm

Safety Culture Diagnosis: https://amzn.to/3XfnBkt

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