Does the term Organizational Resource Management (ORM) sound familiar? If so, it is probably because of an awareness of Crew Resource Management (CRM) or Maintenance Resource Management (MRM), the well accepted approach to understanding and improving safety in the aviation industry. In fact, ORM is an extension of CRM concepts and describes an approach to helping leaders successfully manage aviation companies. To define ORM it is best to start with the accepted meaning of CRM: A management system that makes optimum use of all available resources – equipment, procedures and people – to promote safety and enhance the efficiency of flight operations.
As the shift to the word Organizational implies, ORM is an approach to guiding the entire entity to success. Some slight, but significant, modifications derive a basic definition of ORM as: A management system that makes optimum use of all available resources – equipment, procedures and people – to achieve organizational goals and enhance the efficiency and value of operations.
Like CRM, ORM focuses on the cognitive and interpersonal skills rather than technical skills and knowledge. It encompasses a wide range of human behaviors and attitudes that include culture & values, strategy & goals, communication, team-work, decision making, problem solving and service. Importantly, ORM starts with leadership. If effective ORM practices are in place, effective CRM is sure to follow.
