Which characteristic is common among high-reliability organizations (HROs)?

High-reliability organizations (HROs) are distinguished by their exceptional ability to operate in complex and high-risk environments while maintaining high safety and performance standards. A key characteristic of these organizations is their commitment to safety and error reporting. This commitment fosters a culture that prioritizes transparency and learning from mistakes, enabling the organization to identify potential hazards and improve processes continuously.

In HROs, individuals are encouraged to report errors and near misses without fear of retribution, which contributes significantly to preventing accidents and enhancing safety protocols. This proactive approach creates an environment where safety is treated as a shared responsibility, and every team member feels empowered to contribute to overall safety efforts.

The other characteristics listed, such as focusing on individual performance, strict adherence to regulations, and prioritization of profit over safety, do not capture the essence of HROs. These elements either shift attention away from collective safety efforts or suggest a regulatory compliance mindset rather than an ingrained safety culture. Thus, the commitment to safety and error reporting stands as the defining trait of HROs, facilitating a better understanding of risks and promoting continuous improvement in safety practices.