Action Errors, Error Management, and Learning in Organizations

Abstract

Every organization is confronted with errors. Most errors are corrected easily, but some may lead to negative consequences. Organizations often focus on error prevention as a single strategy for dealing with errors. Our review suggests that error prevention needs to be supplemented by error management--an approach directed at effectively dealing with errors after they have occurred, with the goal of minimizing negative and maximizing positive error consequences (examples of the latter are learning and innovations). After defining errors and related concepts, we review research on error-related processes affected by error management (error detection, damage control). Empirical evidence on positive effects of error management in individuals and organizations is then discussed, along with emotional, motivational, cognitive, and behavioral pathways of these effects. Learning from errors is central, but like other positive consequences, learning occurs under certain circumstances--one being the development of a mind-set of acceptance of human error.

Opportunity, Motivation, and Ability to Learn from Failures and Errors: Review, Synthesis, and Ways to Move Forward

“…Failures may be caused by a combination of errors such as incorrectly executed routines and tasks, violations, risks, or chance factors (Frese & Keith, 2015;Hofmann & Frese, 2011).…”

Imperfect practice makes perfect: error management training improves transfer of learning

“…In EMT, errors are used for feedback to improve further learning and training is focused on the recognition of and reflection on errors in order to prevent them from reoccurring . According to error management theory, errors are seen as byproducts of active learning that engage learners in self‐regulated learning strategies, such as monitoring performance progression and revising learning strategies . Error management covers the useful management of errors in order to reduce both future errors and the negative psychological consequences of errors .…”

What Role Does Error Orientation Play in the Relationship Between Error Management Climate and Innovative Behavior?

“…2005). Error management climate focuses on action orientation, innovation orientation and experiment orientation, the core lies in how to recognize and treat errors (Frese and Keith, 2015). Definitely, foreign scholars emphasize the error perception of the organization members, domestic scholars focus on the practices and procedures taken by the organization members on how to deal with errors (Wang Chongming, Hong Ziqiang, 2000; Yin .…”