Morally managing executive mistakes.

Abstract

Medical errors have been the subject of extensive discussion for many years. In contrast, management mistakes have not received the same scrutiny. Why is this true, and what are some of the factors contributing to management mistakes? What constitutes a mistake or error? How do mistakes in management compare with those in medicine? When and how should mistakes be disclosed? What are appropriate options for dealing with them productively and ethically? How can the incidence of mistakes be reduced? This article is intended to stimulate discussion about a critical topic--one that has received inadequate attention by both healthcare administration and the field of organizational ethics--with important implications for improving executive and organizational performance.