What is the term used for any factor that could potentially influence crew performance negatively?

The term that accurately describes any factor that could potentially influence crew performance negatively is known as a risk factor. A risk factor encompasses any condition or variable—whether environmental, procedural, or personal—that increases the likelihood of an adverse outcome affecting performance. In the context of Navy Operational Risk Management, identifying and evaluating risk factors is crucial for mitigating risks and ensuring optimal performance.

Performance indicators are metrics used to assess how well a crew or operation is performing but do not necessarily designate negative influences. Additive conditions typically refer to situations where multiple factors combine to escalate risk but do not directly denote the factors themselves. Environmental variables are specific conditions in the surrounding environment, such as weather or physical surroundings, but not all environmental variables are inherently negative. Therefore, risk factors encompass a broader range of influences, making it the most accurate term for this context.