Dombrowski on Challenger Disaster

Challenger Disaster: Information versus Meaning
What did show?
1) show importance of clear communication
2) powerful role of complex social forces
3) interplay between values and language in communication
Two Governmental Reports
1) Report of Presidential Commission
1.1) Analysis show: lengthy and poor knowledge of technical writing
2) Differences
2.1) More than Information
2.2) Confusing Language
2.3) Conclusions do not follow logically
Conclusion:
- weight ethical implications
- express our judgment clearly
Two Crucial Shifts in Meaning
- O-Ring Charring
- - lack of reaction on managements’ part
- Powerful Role of Assumptions
Challenger shows realistic limitations of optimistic assumptions
“Smoking Gun” Memorandum (by Mr. Boisjoly)
Subject Line – grabs attention (uses key words)
1st paragraph – brief and clearly states its purpose
2nd paragraph – description of past and current affairs
3rd paragraph – hypothetical and plausible outline of consequences caused by the above complications
4th paragraph – cannot fulfill duty to both organization and ethics
Final paragraph – very emotional in giving his conclusion
Graphical Images
- People determine what numbers mean
Ethical Appraisal
- Aristotle: ethics and debate
approves memorandum on the subject of ethics
might approve debate between presidential and congressional report
- Kant: responsibilities
Approves: Memorandum and Congressional Report
Disapproves: Presidential Report
- Utilitarianism: good of the many
Unclear on all counts
- Feminist and Ethics of Care
Launch decision unethical by both
Conclusion:
Challenger disaster shows how values and ethical judgment play a key role in the communication of even highly technical information
Changed way information is read and interpreted
Hierarchy problem (different responsibilities and interests)