Investigating Aviation Safety from the perspective of Human Factors and productivity

This paper investigates the complex relationship between personality traits and the dynamic tension between safety and productivity, in the demanding context of aviation maintenance. By exploring how core personality traits influence safety related attitudes and behaviours, the research aims to move beyond generalized procedures towards a more resilient, personality-informed safety culture.

A quantitative approach was employed utilizing an online Likert-scale questionnaire distributed to Aviation Maintenance Professionals (AMP). The questionnaire integrated the Big Five Inventory (BFI) to measure personality traits, and an adapted safety and productivity questionnaire to assess productivity factors. Data analysis included Cronbach’s alpha for reliability, independent t-tests for demographic comparisons, Sspearman’s correlation, One-way ANOVA, and linear regression.

Results indicated significant demographic differences where experienced workers (>10 years) and those working >40 hours per week scored higher in conscientiousness, while less experienced workers and those working ≤40 hours scored higher in Neuroticism. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that Openness was a significant positive predictor across all productivity factors, while Neuroticism initially showed a positive correlation with safety prioritization, it did not remain a unique predictor when controlling other traits. Additionally, Extraversion was positively correlated with Management communication associated with human factors, and safety.

This study suggests that personality traits significantly influence how AMP navigate the Efficiency-Thoroughness Trade-Off (ETTO). These findings encourage for customised training and psychological support especially for junior AMPs with higher neuroticism, and “open” culture initiatives for organisations to enhance safety outcomes and manage productivity pressures effectively.

Keywords:
aviation maintenance, personality traits, productivity factors