RE: Accountability & Fear

[Steven_S_Prevette@rl.gov]

It depends on your definition of "accountability".

I kept hearing from managers of a former employer the lament "If only we
could hold the workers accountable".  There was never any talk of holding
the managers accountable . . .  

Usually people who are held accountable are held accountable for the
outcomes.  They are not held accountable for the policies and management
practices put in place, but only held accountable for the outcome.  This can
foster short-term thinking and short-term optimization, and willingness to
play the lottery.  The lottery I am referring to is taking short cuts in
quality and safety, taking the bet that they will not affect the short-term
outcomes the person is being held accountable to (usually production).

Accountability usually implies negative repercussions - cut in pay,
demotion, firing.  Though it can also involve bonus pay, pay for
performance.

Yes, when one is an employee, one is accountable for certain things.
Putting in your time and effort, not knowingly wasting company money and
resources, actively participating.  But the usual lament for accountability
goes beyond that.

If you realize this is what is happening, when one is held accountable for
outcomes one should be fearful.

Steve Prevette
QA Engineer, ESH Radiological Compliance
Fluor Hanford, A Fluor Global Services Company
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer
steven_s_prevette@rl.gov
509-373-9371