NASA promises to break culture of silence: CNN

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In summary, engineers at the Johnson Space Center did not speak up about their desire for zoom-in satellite pictures of the damaged Columbia during key meetings, out of fear and discomfort. This highlights the culture at NASA where employees may feel pressure to simply follow orders, hindering open communication and potentially leading to negative consequences.
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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.
 
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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:
 

1. What is the culture of silence at NASA?

The culture of silence at NASA refers to a long-standing practice of discouraging employees from speaking out about safety concerns or issues within the organization. This has been attributed to a fear of retaliation or damaging the agency's reputation.

2. Why is NASA making a promise to break this culture of silence?

NASA has faced criticism in the past for not properly addressing safety concerns and mishandling reports from employees. As a result, the agency is now making a promise to break the culture of silence in order to improve transparency and accountability.

3. How does NASA plan on breaking the culture of silence?

NASA has stated that they will be implementing new policies and procedures to encourage employees to speak up about safety concerns without fear of retaliation. This includes establishing an independent hotline for reporting concerns and promoting a more open and inclusive work environment.

4. Has NASA faced any consequences for the culture of silence?

Yes, NASA has faced consequences for the culture of silence, including the loss of two space shuttles and several crew members in accidents that were later found to have been preventable. The agency has also faced criticism and investigations from government agencies for mishandling safety concerns.

5. Will breaking the culture of silence have a positive impact on NASA's operations?

It is believed that breaking the culture of silence at NASA will have a positive impact on the agency's operations. By encouraging employees to speak up about safety concerns, NASA will be able to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. This will ultimately lead to a safer and more efficient space program.

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