Oil Pipeline Regulation, Culture, and Integrity

Abstract The 2006 British Petroleum oil spill on Alaska's North Slope was the largest pipeline incident in a decades-long operating system. The spill and subsequent discovery of extensive pipeline corrosion resulted in a partial system shutdown, significant revenue losses, and environmental degradation. The event left stakeholders asking a number of questions. How could such a catastrophe have occurred? Why was government regulatory oversight not more aggressive? What happened to the industry's commitment to zero accidents and environmental protection? This study suggests that answers can be found though an examination of the relationship between organizational culture, integrity, and a weak regulatory regime. It provides lessons for both practitioners and scholars.