A630.5.4.RB_MedinaM.

During the investigation of the Columbia Shuttle accident, it was determined by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) that NASA’s current culture played a contributing role on the accident. After careful investigation and assessment by the CAIB, the Diaz Team, and the BST, it was determined that one of categories that deeply attributed to the Columbia shuttle accident aside from mechanical failure was the leadership category and the values of the organization. NASA’s current core values are: Safety, People, Excellence, and Integrity.

In my opinion, it is important that the NASA administrator Sean O’Keefe addressed NASA employees about the findings of the CAIB, and BST assessments, and the proposed changes to the NASA culture. It’s important for employees to see leaders taking the situation as serious as it should be taken. It helps them understand the severity of seriousness of the situation, and it also helps to see management on that leadership role where they are taking control of the situation. This type of situation calls for a leader that can point to the new and improved direction of the organization, to set the example of the high valued culture of the organization and so on. Right now, this meeting is very critical for the success of the organization because in a way it helps employees reflect of where they are as an organization right now and where they will be when the implementation of changes have been completed. This presentation also helps set the tone of the change implementation as well as the new expectations in which all employees will be held accountable to.

Overall, it just shows: employees that management is not taking the situation lightly and that management is doing something about the situation, helps employees feel part of the company, that employee’s opinions are valued, management respects the employees of the company by involving them on the change process, there will be better communication between employees and management, that management will provide employees with the support needed, and there will be truthfulness on the severity of situations and/or issues. In my opinion, O’Keefe spoke about the NASA values to remind employees what the organization’s values are and their importance. It also helps ensure employees that those values will be and are directly linked to everything that goes on in the organization. For example, if employees do not have a clear understanding of what the NASA’s values are, they may not have an idea of how their actions may affect the culture of the organization. These values are also there as a guideline for employees to follow whenever they may seem unsure about which direction to go and it makes all employees responsible for the overall culture of the organization.

Reflecting on the overall presentation, O’Keefe did look believable about how serious management is taking the situation and about the proposed changes to the organization’s culture. O’Keefe had a serious, determined expression on his face and his tone reflected the same expression. Therefore, from watching the video I get the feeling that he is a very honest person, who takes his job and the life of others very serious. What I take from this exercise to immediately use in my organization is the importance of organizational values. Values are the drivers of employee behavior. When values are clearly stated and demonstrated by management, it creates a work atmosphere of success and employees will follow the same behavior. So, it is important to model the organizational values because it provides a form of communication between management and employees as well as a path to employee and organizational success.