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Examining the Influence of Error Climate on Aviation Maintenance Performance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 February 2014

Megan Elizabeth Hodges  and
Dianne Gardner
Megan Elizabeth Hodges
Affiliation:
Royal New Zealand Air Force, Ohakea, New Zealand
Dianne Gardner*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
*
address for correspondence: Dr Dianne Gardner, School of Psychology, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Error climate refers to shared perceptions of organisational practices regarding errors. Error management climate (EMC), which acknowledges the inevitability of error, and error avoidance climate (EAC), characterised by fear of error and reluctance to discuss error, were explored in relation to supervision, stress, fatigue, psychological ill-health and violations. Errors are of particular concern in the aviation industry, particularly aviation maintenance. The focus of the present study was on perceptions of error climate among Technical Trade personnel in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Participants were 189 personnel below the rank of Flight Sergeant, all in practical maintenance roles. Perceptions of EMC were associated with better perceived supervision and psychological health, and less EAC, fewer violations and errors. Perceptions of EAC were associated with more violations and errors, and worse psychological health and perceived supervision. Two types of violations were identified. Situational violations were predicted by routine violations, errors, stress and seniority. Routine violations were predicted by situational violations, errors and fatigue. Violations partially mediated the effect of error climate on errors. These findings suggest that error climate is an important organisational factor in safety and aviation maintenance.

Keywords

aviationerror managementerror climate
Type
Articles
Information
The Australasian Journal of Organisational Psychology , Volume 7 , 2014 , e1
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2014 

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