James Reason (organizational theorist)

James Reason is an influential organizational theorist known for his work on safety and human error. He developed models that explain how mistakes occur in complex systems, emphasizing that errors result from a combination of active failures (individual actions) and latent conditions (system flaws). His "Swiss Cheese Model" illustrates how accidents happen when multiple layers of defenses fail simultaneously, highlighting the importance of organizational safety cultures and system design. Reason's insights help organizations understand and reduce risks by improving processes, training, and safety barriers, ultimately promoting safer environments across industries like healthcare, aviation, and manufacturing.