An Introduction to Human Factors and Patient Safety: Authority Gradient

Authority gradient is the balance of power between an individual team member and the leader. It is a measure of the organisational hierarchy within the team.

If a leader is domineering and resistant to team members input, the team members will experience a steep authority gradient. When the authority gradient is too steep it prevents teamwork and communication, which can lead to errors.

This is especially so in emergencies and high stress situations. For example, a nurse requesting clarification from a clinician may be inhibited by a lack of openness to input, and would thus experience a steep authority gradient. A confident individual may continue to raise their concerns, but others will be repressed by the reaction of senior team member/s.

What can be done to reduce the effects of authority gradient? (Select all that apply)