Which concept supports the idea that even competent professionals can develop unhealthy norms?

The concept that supports the idea that even competent professionals can develop unhealthy norms is linked to a "just culture." This term refers to an environment in which professionals feel safe to report their errors or unsafe conditions without fear of punishment. In a just culture, there is an underlying recognition that the systems and processes can influence behavior and that even skilled individuals might adopt unhealthy norms due to systemic pressures, lack of transparency, or fear of repercussions.

In such environments, systemic issues are acknowledged, encouraging reflection on practices and providing opportunities for learning and improvement. This approach mitigates the risk of normalization of deviance, where professionals gradually become accustomed to suboptimal practices, believing them to be acceptable due to their competence. Hence, a just culture promotes an awareness of these dynamics and emphasizes accountability, continuous improvement, and the need to address the underlying causes of unhealthy norms.