From crisis to development--analysis of air traffic control work processes

Area of Science:

• Organizational Psychology
• Human Factors Engineering
• Aviation Management

Background:

• The Finnish air traffic controllers' strike in 1999 highlighted outdated work practices.
• A need for a new organizational culture in air traffic control (ATC) emerged.
• Existing operational paradigms hindered ATC development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an intervention aimed at enhancing ATC work processes.
• To foster a new working culture within the ATC organization.
• To assess the adoption of continuous work development post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• Work processes were modeled by ATC personnel.
• Development plans were presented to top management.
• Qualitative interviews were conducted with management, trade unions, and stakeholders before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention successfully promoted systematic cooperation among diverse organizational actors.
• A follow-up revealed limited adoption of continuous work development principles.
• The study identified a gap between technical competence and collaborative/human aspects in ATC.

Conclusions:

• While cooperation improved, sustained organizational change in work development was not achieved.
• Mastery of human factors is critical for high-reliability organizations like ATC.
• Integrating collaborative and human aspects is essential for organizations strong in technical competence and regulation.