Job Satisfaction Among Air Traffic Controllers of a Small City Airport in Florida

Sohel Imroz Ph.D., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Presented during Concurrent Session 5A - Professionalism & Leadership in Aviation

Abstract

Purpose

Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) are key to aviation safety. The Christian Science Monitor ranks air traffic control (ATC) among the five most stressful professions (Murdock, 2019). According to Locke (1976, p. 1304), job satisfaction is “a pleasurable or positive emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one’s job or job experiences.” By increasing job satisfaction of their employees, organizations can realize benefits like lower employee turnover, increased company productivity, improved bottom line profits, and reduced recruitment costs (Burke, 2019).

While studies on job satisfaction have been conducted on various professions (e.g. nurses, social workers, police officers, project managers, etc.), job satisfaction of ATCs working in a small city airport is not fully understood. Studies of this group could be useful to organizations that seek to understand job satisfaction of ATCs, fulfill their specific needs, and build and maintain a thriving community of ATCs.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study method was used to learn the factors producing job satisfaction among 20 ATCs working in a small city airport in Florida. Data were collected from interviews with the participants, their stories and testimonials and physical artifacts created and used by them. Data analysis was carried out using data triangulation and continuous coding process.

Research limitations/implications

As a single-case research method was used, findings of this study may not be generalized to a larger population.

Originality/value

Results can be useful to improve job satisfaction of ATCs--one of the most stressful jobs often involving making life or death decisions under extreme pressure. Increased job satisfaction among ATCs should result in lower employee turnover, increased productivity, and ultimately, safer aviation experience.

 
Mar 3rd, 9:30 AM Mar 3rd, 10:45 AM

Job Satisfaction Among Air Traffic Controllers of a Small City Airport in Florida

Mori Hosseini Student Union Events Center (Bldg #610) – Rooms 165 B/C

Purpose

Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) are key to aviation safety. The Christian Science Monitor ranks air traffic control (ATC) among the five most stressful professions (Murdock, 2019). According to Locke (1976, p. 1304), job satisfaction is “a pleasurable or positive emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one’s job or job experiences.” By increasing job satisfaction of their employees, organizations can realize benefits like lower employee turnover, increased company productivity, improved bottom line profits, and reduced recruitment costs (Burke, 2019).

While studies on job satisfaction have been conducted on various professions (e.g. nurses, social workers, police officers, project managers, etc.), job satisfaction of ATCs working in a small city airport is not fully understood. Studies of this group could be useful to organizations that seek to understand job satisfaction of ATCs, fulfill their specific needs, and build and maintain a thriving community of ATCs.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study method was used to learn the factors producing job satisfaction among 20 ATCs working in a small city airport in Florida. Data were collected from interviews with the participants, their stories and testimonials and physical artifacts created and used by them. Data analysis was carried out using data triangulation and continuous coding process.

Research limitations/implications

As a single-case research method was used, findings of this study may not be generalized to a larger population.

Originality/value

Results can be useful to improve job satisfaction of ATCs--one of the most stressful jobs often involving making life or death decisions under extreme pressure. Increased job satisfaction among ATCs should result in lower employee turnover, increased productivity, and ultimately, safer aviation experience.