What is the primary objective of threat and error management (TEM)?

The primary objective of threat and error management (TEM) is mission effectiveness. TEM focuses on identifying and mitigating potential threats and errors in operational environments to ensure that the mission can be completed successfully. This approach emphasizes not only the prevention of mishaps but also the understanding that errors can occur and how they can be managed to align with achieving successful outcomes.

By focusing on mission effectiveness, TEM encourages a proactive stance where teams can make informed decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and prioritize safety while still achieving their operational goals. This is essential in high-stakes environments where the interplay of various factors can influence the success of a mission.

Other options, such as zero-mishaps or flawless maintenance records, imply a perfectionist approach that might overlook the complexity of real-world operations and the fact that managing risk is a more realistic perspective than striving for an unattainable ideal. While addressing threats and errors indeed contributes to a safer operational environment, the overarching goal remains tied to the effectiveness of the mission rather than the elimination of all potential mistakes.