Measuring defensive routines: a tool for identifying dysfunctions in public organizations

Purpose Defensive routines are patterns that describe organizational or individual actions aimed at avoiding embarrassment and threat. They impede organizations from identifying hidden issues and creating new knowledge. Defensive routines are particularly salient in the public sector due to their reliance on procedures and rules. The main objective of this paper is to develop a scale to measure defensive routines as perceived by individuals that can be used for the diagnosis of defensive employee attitudes. Design/methodology/approach The manuscript applies standard procedures for scale development (i.e. item generation, item validation, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and convergent and discriminant validity checks). Findings The final scale has two factors: one for the individual and one for the organizational level. The former has two dimensions labeled rigidity and embarrassment avoidance, while the latter has two different dimensions, labeled cover-up and pretense. Practical implications The scale can be used as a tool for diagnosis of defensive employee attitudes as part of organizational development initiatives. Originality/value By studying the nature of defensive routines, we extend the literature on patterned behavior in the context of psychological safety and blame avoidance, in public sector organizations. Furthermore, understanding the constituents of organizational defensive routines enhances knowledge of the micro-foundations of obstacles to change-related capabilities thus extends theory related to dynamic change capabilities. Ultimately, through the scale development, we provide a tangible output for researchers and practitioners alike, promoting evidence-based practice.