ABSTRACT
This investigation explores the culture of two nuclear powered aircraft carriers meeting the criteria for high reliability organizations. In the spirit of "triangulation'", use of a questionnaire-cultural assessment was supplemented with officer/expert interpretations and researcher observations of language manifestations of culture (e.g., stories, phrases), rites and ceremonials. Results indicate a different mix of cultural dimensions in these organizations than are usually found in other organizations and highlights some paradoxes. Future research directions are suggested.
