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Dialogue Between Theory and Application: The Enduring Appeal of Carter Racing

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Based on the Space Shuttle Challenger launch decision, Carter Racing is a best-seller 30 years after its introduction at the OBTC in 1987. The lessons currently taught, however, little resemble the original intent. For unique reasons, including the visibility of the tragedy, Carter Racing’s interpretation has drifted upon the changing currents of organizational behavior. It has served as a vehicle for identifying the questions that do not get asked and for understanding why these questions, once asked, seem insufficient to change the decisions that occurred the night and morning of January 27-28, 1986, decisions that resulted in tragedy.

Author(s):

Jack Brittain    
David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah
United States

Sim Sitkin    
Fuqua School of Business, Duke University
United States