Which type of error leads to undesired consequences to property, personnel, or the mission?

The concept of error types, particularly in the context of operational risk management, explores various ways that mistakes can impact organizations. The term "consequential error" specifically refers to errors that lead to negative outcomes affecting property, personnel, or mission objectives. This type of error emphasizes the real-world repercussions that can stem from an error, demonstrating a significant divergence from desired outcomes, which often has a tangible effect on an organization.

Consequential errors underscore how individual actions or decisions can create a chain reaction of detrimental results, potentially harming assets, endangering personnel, or hindering mission success. In operational risk management, understanding and identifying these errors is crucial for implementing precautionary measures and developing strategies to mitigate risks.

In contrast, operational errors, human errors, or systematic errors have distinct definitions and implications that might not always directly lead to negative consequences. For instance, operational errors might involve missteps in processes that don’t immediately affect outcomes, whereas human errors are broader and may not always lead to significant impact. Systematic errors typically point to recurring issues in systems or processes, highlighting areas for improvement but without the direct implication of causing harm as suggested by consequential errors.

Thus, the term "consequential error" correctly encapsulates the idea of errors leading