Crisis as Audit

Correction only happens after failure becomes too large to ignore.

What it looks like

• Controls are implemented only after scandal
• Risk is managed by PR and legal response
• “We’ll fix it next quarter” repeats
• Incidents become the only trigger for change

Failure mechanism

No routine correction loop exists. The system can’t correct early—so correction arrives through crisis.

Minimum viable controls

Verification

• Baseline metrics for harm, error, abuse, and near-misses
• Audit readiness as a standing posture, not a scramble
• Transparent incident reporting

Counterweights

• Independent bodies empowered to require changes
• Budget and authority for prevention (not only response)
• Executive accountability for repeated crises

Correction Loops

• Routine reviews tied to control improvements
• Drills and stress tests
• Continuous improvement cadence (small corrections, often)

Proof you’re controlling it

• Corrections happen without public failure
• Near-misses are captured and acted upon
• Control changes are routine and measured

Where it shows up

Starts Organizational, becomes Civilizational when entire sectors operate this way.

Related patterns

Exception Drift • Oversight Theater • Bad News Suppression