Episode 132 - Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Breaking Down Psychological Distance to Improve Safety with Dr. David Hofmann

We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. David Hofmann for another compelling and thought-provoking episode of The Safety Guru! In this episode, Dave dives into his latest groundbreaking research: "Out of Sight, Out of Mind: How High-Level Construals Can Decrease the Ethical Framing of Risk-Mitigating Behavior." He explores how psychological distance, an often-overlooked barrier, can influence perceptions, increase risk, and lead to unsafe behaviors and decisions. Grounded in solid research and real-world organizational examples, Dave highlights what leaders can do to bridge that gap, bringing risks back into focus and reducing them effectively to improve safety. Learn how organizations can keep risk-mitigating considerations front and center, ensuring that every safety decision reflects a deep commitment to protecting frontline team members and maintaining safety as a clear and consistent value and priority. Don't miss this must-listen episode filled with practical insights to elevate safety so that it's never out of sight, out of mind!

About the Guest:

Dr. Dave Hofmann's research focuses on organizational climate, leadership, organizational change, organizational design, and decision-making. A specific focus of Dr. Hofmann's research is the impact of leadership and organizational culture on safety and errors in organizations that operate in high-risk environments. He received the American Psychological Association's Decade of Behavior Research Award and a Fulbright Senior Scholar Award to study errors and safety issues in organizations at the University of Giessen in Germany. Dr. Hofmann has presented his research and conducted executive development sessions around the world.

For more information: https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/faculty/directory/david-hofmann/

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