Human fallibility and learning from errors at work

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of, and integrates findings from, several studies that have been conducted since 2002 at the University of Regensburg (Germany), which focused on human fallibility and learning from errors in work contexts. Together, these studies provide evidence on four key questions about errors at work and the possibility of learning from them. Specifically, the studies investigated (1) the role of errors as starting points for learning, (2) employees’ engagement in learning activities after errors, (3) potential outcomes of learning from errors in terms of refined knowledge, and (4) supportive conditions for learning from errors at work. The chapter summarizes the main findings on these issues and draws conclusions for the enhancement of organizational strategies to foster learning from errors and for future research.