ABSTRACT

This chapter describes some of the processes involved in balancing conflicting goals (e.g., between safety and operation) in a change-intensive environment by using examples from civil aviation transport. The ability to handle multiple goals involves the use of both downward and upward resilience traits to address potential conflicts. By downward resilience, we mean that macro-level directions and solutions prepare for resilience through clear goal structures, infrastructure and procedures that handle the trade-offs between safety and efficiency. Upward resilience means that decisions made at the micro level in a system reflect a commitment to safety in case of goal conflicts. Changes, caused either by external or internal drivers, may alter these resilience traits by introducing loss of oversight. Changes made at the macro level of the system might have unintended consequences on the micro level, and vice versa. The chapter is based on studies conducted in the Norwegian civil aviation transport system.