Are safety culture assessments really necessary?

Since the introduction of the concept of culture in the safety domain, much effort has been put into its assessment. Such assessments are typically carried out to come to a diagnosis and, possibly, a culture improvement. While the relationship between culture and behavior remains ambiguous and the odds of steering a culture into a desirable direction are equally uncertain, the development process of culture might offer more solace. Skipping the assessment altogether, the process offers both cultural insight and opportunities to influence the culture more towards a culture for safety. To establish such a culture, it is important that people can voice their concerns and share information openly.