ABSTRACT
It is very difficult to manage what you do not understand. Therefore, this chapter explores the fundamental principles associated with human error, human behavior, organizations, and its defenses. Human error is explained as a “loss of control,” and that it is the outcome of normal, variable human nature. Active and latent errors manifest themselves differently during operations and, thus, are managed differently. How organizations influence behavior choices through local factors is described, incorporating the concept of alignment. The role of defenses, regarding the control of behavior choices and using barriers and safeguards to protecting assets from harm, is fully explored. This helps the reader better understand the influence an organization and its managements systems have on its resilience.
