Summary and Conclusion
Summary
The literature found for the subject of this research was scant when specifically addressing the interpersonal communications between crew and cockpit, especially the element concerning lack of assertiveness that has been gleaned from the cockpit voice recorders of many airplane crashes. Notwithstanding the above, the literature does reflect that CRM has a communications element included in its training agenda. Flight attendant fatigue has been identified as having an effect on interpersonal communications and is gaining more attention in research circles. The issues involved in communications among multi-cultural crewmembers and the actions being taken to address them is called out in several areas noting that they further exacerbate lack of assertiveness. It is further shown that poor teamwork and even poorer leadership creates an environment where assertiveness is subjugated.
Overall, the research is in agreement that CRM has evolved and flourished over the last 35 years, and any idea that it is going away or that it is failing in purpose is misplaced. It has necessarily extended from ‘cockpit’ resource management to ‘crew’ resource management eventually including training for flight attendants, mechanics, dispatchers, management personnel, and others having responsibility flight safety (Baron, 2010). In summary, CRM in some form is here to stay.
Conclusion
The dearth of specific information related to the subject of the research was disappointing yet there is a glimmer of optimism present in recommendations for further study. Shappell and Wiegmann, both prominent researchers in human factors and CRM, have proposed a human factors and analysis system—HFACS—that can be effective in further analyzing CVRs and interpreting communications in the cockpit and cabin in order to developing interventions in accident prevention. It is this writer’s belief that specific emphasis should be placed on increasing and enhancing training on assertiveness among crewmembers, and it should start with particularized training in assertiveness rather than depend on a one-size-fits-all curriculum.