Security risk management in Norwegian aviation meets nordic traditions of risk management

Abstract

The risk management systems in the Norwegian aviation sector in the aftermath of 9/11 have been a top down process characterised by rapidity and secrecy and there has been little local and national risk assessment involved during the process. Both the aviation sector and the petroleum sector are technologically based organisational systems and both aspire to be associated with best practises of high reliability. A well known statement is that safety regulations in the petroleum sector are founded on traditional democratic ideals in working life. An important aspect of the Nordic regulation practise of safety has been to take care of the interests of groups and thereby increase personal responsibility concerning the workplace and security. The idea is that involvement and participation increase mission valences, legitimacy and trust and therefore the quality of the regulating regime as such. The paper will highlight differences and similarities between the two systems and discuss whether local participation and stakeholder involvement are necessary prerequisites for successful safety/security management.