A630.5.4.RB - Shuck, Allison

NASA Culture Change

Why did NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe address NASA employees to describe the plan to bring about proposed changes to NASA’s culture?

In the video “NASA Culture Change”, Sean O’Keefe seeks to addresses the projected culture changes required based on the results of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CIBA) Survey. O’Keefe assesses NASA’s ability to improve by investigating the company’s history and determining its problem areas. O’Keefe believes that all companies/employees must have/obtain the following day-to-day attributes in order to create/have a definitive culture:

• Respect – all employees must have respect from one another in a professional capacity.
• Open communication – all employees should maintain an open communication channels and encourage information sharing; employee should feel comfortable speaking up when something doesn't appear to be right.   
• Safety – all employees should ask if, then questions – If I do this, then this will happen. In an organization, it is important for all employees to understand the consequences of their actions, especially if those consequences are detrimental.
• Recognition - all employees should be recognized for both positive and negative contributions. In a large corporation like NASA, it is important to remember that someone is always watching.

Was he believable? Is it important whether he appeared to be believable?

I believe that Mr. O’Keefe made some really good points and outlined steps on how NASA can improve its culture; however, I feel that he may have only said the things he did to win over NASA and its employees; It is one thing to state your opinion and tell what you believe will work for NASA, because it has worked for many companies in the past but… NASA it its own unique company and what works for one company may not work for another.  

Why did he talk about NASA values?

I think Mr. O’Keefe talked about NASA values because he is hoping to guide the company and give it a since of direction; something to strive for. By distinguishing values Mr. O’Keefe provides NASA and its employees with the motivation needed to make change possible.  

What can you take away from this exercise to immediately use in your career?

“You cannot not communicate!” I think that the key to having a successful organization is to have open channels of communication. For it is through communication that we understand the meaning of things.