Final answer:
A high reliability organization is an entity that consistently achieves its goals and avoids major errors despite operating in complex, risky environments due to a strong emphasis on safety, thoroughness, and consistency.
Step-by-step explanation:
A high reliability organization (HRO) is one that operates in complex, high-risk environments and still maintains a superior safety and reliability record. HROs have systems in place that are exceptionally consistent in accomplishing their goals and avoiding potentially catastrophic errors. Reliability in this context refers to the consistency of a measure; a measure is said to be reliable when it consistently produces the same results under the same circumstances. Characteristics of HROs include a preoccupation with failure, a reluctance to simplify interpretations, a sensitivity to operations, a commitment to resilience, and an deference to expertise, all contributing to their high reliability.