Attitude
Contents
Definition
Attitude is A mental position with regard to a fact or state; a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state (Merriam-Webster)
Summary
Description
Extended definition
Extend and explain the definition with a couple of sentences.
Safety
In the IAEA publications, attitudes of individual employees and managers are linked to safety and safety culture [1]. Attitudes of individuals are part of several safety culture definitions, see e.g. INSAG-4 [2], and in the three-level safety culture model, attitudes are linked to the second level which represents the espoused values [1]. The safety culture definitions recognize that attitudes are generally intangible, but they lead to tangible manifestations [2]. Attitudes are also connected to the characteristics of good safety culture, e.g. management's commitment to safety, which is linked to their safety attitudes, and the questioning attitude of employees [1].
Effect of attitudes to KM
Explain why is attitude important from the point of view of KM: Knowledge sharing, Knowledge sharing culture
Possibilities to affect attitudes
Attitudes of employees are greatly influenced by their working environment [2]. The IAEA safety culture publications give guidance in changing and improving safety culture [1]. Before culture change initiatives, an organization should conduct assessment of the current safety culture, including safety attitudes. Examples of surveys are given e.g. in [1]. Tools for changing attitudes as part of the culture change include using positive role models and putting effort in communication [1]. The possibilities of changing attitudes via safety training are seen low [1].
References
[1] Safety culture in nuclear installations Guidance for use in the enhancement of safety culture, IAEA-TECDOC-1329, 2002, http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/te_1329_web.pdf
[2] Safety Culture, A report by the International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group, SAFETY SERIES No.75-INSAG-4, 1991, http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub882_web.pdf