(47bk) Improving PSM Performance through Workforce Culture Assessment

Increasing PSM Performance Through Workforce Culture Assessment

By Peter Baker and Carl Green

This paper describes MetaPower’s focus on increasing PSM performance by routinely measuring compliance to regulation-based criteria (structure) and simultaneously measuring key dimensions of work groups (culture).  This dual approach is built on extensive work process design and implementation experience which convinced us that workforce culture is a key component to successful implementation. So MetaPower went “back to school” for five years, working with scholars who had organizational theory and culture expertise. Our learning and understanding led to the approach presented in this paper.

This presentation will introduce you to the radical difference between structure and culture, to the unique “logic” of each, and to the tools appropriate to cultural issues that can be secured and mastered. You will discover that it is possible, to measure culture and gather clues on how it is impacting PSM performance. You will learn that, because culture is such a powerful force, it is important to change culture only when necessary. You will also be introduced to a method for addressing cultural issues when change is necessary. You will find that when culture is approached with a new understanding, it is not mysterious and forbidding and it can be successfully navigated to achieve consistent performance. Finally, you will learn how structure and culture, integrated into a holistic Work System, can help you achieve your process safety goals.