Bridging an identified gap between research and practice in the domain of risk and organizational learning with respect to human/organizational factors and organizational behaviour, this book highlights the common and recurring threads in contributory factors to accident causation. Based on an extensive research project, it investigates how shipping companies as organizations learn from, filter and give credence/acceptability to differing risk perceptions and how this influences the work culture with special regard to group/team dynamics and individual motivation. The work is presented in the context of the literature regarding conceptual links between risk and the theoretical and operational themes of organizational learning, and in light of interviewees' comments. The themes include processes and structures of knowledge acquisition, information interpretation and distribution, organizational memory and change/adaptation and also levels of learning. The book concludes by discussing some practical implications of the research carried out in various maritime contexts and gives recommendations for the industry and other stakeholders.
Biography
Michael Ekow Manuel is a professional ship officer: Master Mariner, unlimited tonnage and foreign-going. He served as a ship's officer for 11 years, culminating in an appointment as Captain. In 2005 he completed an MSc degree in Maritime Affairs, specialising in education and training, at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden. For this work he was awarded the Chancellor Medal for Academic Excellence and subsequently the Sheldon Kinney Fellowship for PhD studies. In 2009 Michael completed his PhD in Maritime Administration, again at the World Maritime University. He currently works at the Regional Maritime University in Ghana and maintains close ties with the World Maritime University and international colleagues within his areas of expertise.
'Michael Manuel brings together research evidence from several academic fields to explore how companies learn, using international commercial shipping as his example. The book covers aspects of risk perception, accident causation, organisational culture and social dynamics. This is a highly readable account for all those with an interest in safety and organisational behaviour, and it makes a significant and original contribution to the growing discipline of maritime human resource management.' Mike Barnett, Warsash Maritime Academy, Southampton Solent University, UK 'Organizational factors and influences are still often underestimated by many in the shipping business. Maritime Risk and Organizational Learning provides convincing arguments to challenge those sceptics who still question the learning potential of maritime enterprises. It reviews maritime accidents in the context of organizational learning, and provides thorough guidance - based on insights gained through direct interaction with maritime practitioners - to establishing a learning culture in maritime organizations.' Jens U. Schröder-Hinrichs, World Maritime University, Sweden 'This is a truly fascinating and insightful book, driven by an author who clearly feels deeply about his subject matter. Hopefully its readership will not be restricted to those who make their living from the sea - though those that do should make it a priority.' RoSPA Occupational Safety & Health Journal December 2011
