Ladder of Inference

The JoHari principle includes an adaptation of the ladder of inference (see the next acceptance tool topic). In the ladder of inference, we see the well-balanced individual who is capable of moving up and down the ladder, as more or less information is required. As we move up and down the ladder by telling and asking, we expand our arena and develop a higher level of understanding and capability. 

The ladder of inference is a reasoning process that allows individuals to perceive events that surround them throughout their entire life. The interactions that occur during our lifetime affect the conclusions that we draw in our current and future encounters. The encounters are considered... 

The flow up and down the ladder of inference using asking and telling techniques should become spontaneous and should be a very natural part of the communication process. If the facilitator, or any team member, sees that the flow is not working appropriately, or that some information is not being processed correctly, they should feel free to call a time-out, which halts the process and reexamines the data being used. 

The ladder of inference takes practice and requires a good facilitator so that the users of the ladder learn how to move up and down this ladder naturally. Rushing up the ladder too quickly will result in taking inappropriate actions and thereby achieving undesired results. 

LADDER OF INFERENCE - HOW BELIEFS LEAD TO RISK AND HAZARD ACCEPTANCE... 

The Ladder of inference concept describes insights on how we act and is based on the way information is selected and given meaning from our prejudgments, perceptions, and habits. The model outlines how our beliefs affect what we infer about what we observe and therefore become part of how we experience our interaction with other people. As cited in Leadership and Influence, Independent Study (2005). 

Figure 3.1 Overview of the Ladder of Inference Principles. As cited In Leadership and Influence, Independent Study, 2005.

Beginning at the bottom of the ladder of inference, we receive information about our world of work based on observations and past experiences. Injuries and traumatic experiences may or may not be in our history or the organization s history. 

Actions based on the selected beliefs. Procedures are followed and at-risk events reported or the hazardous condition and the risk are accepted. The ladder of inference attempts to explain why the underlying... 

The ladder of inference explains why the underlying workplace selected data, meanings, assumptions, conclusions, and beliefs impacts how the JH process is accepted as it establishes criteria for the control of hazard and associate risk. 

The impact of culture, organizational issues, human error potential, and the ladder of inference has made additional considerations for assessing the overall organizational climate and the acceptance of a JHA process necessary. Understanding these concepts provides insights into the development of strategies to use for improving a successfial process implementation. 

Outline the ladder of inference. What insights can it provide for JHA process improvement ... 

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