Overview
In this insightful interview with an Aviation Industry flight attendant, we explore various cultural limitations and how they are managed within the work environment. The interview shows several key areas where cultural considerations play an important role, such as addressing passenger anxiety, guaranteeing gender equality, and accommodating religious practices. The flight attendant explains how the Aviation Industry handles passengers with anxiety about flying, ensuring their comfort by avoiding window seats and placing them in easily accessible areas.
The conversation also goes into the decision-making processes at Aviation Industry, which balance individualism and collectivism, and the gender dynamics within the company, noting the presence of both male and female leaders. Furthermore, the interview addresses the challenges of maintaining fairness and avoiding racial profiling, focusing on the importance of training and cultural sensitivity.
The flight attendant shares examples of how the Aviation Industry resolves cultural miscommunications, such as relocating passengers due to religious restrictions or addressing complaints about fellow passengers discreetly. Overall, this interview provides a comprehensive look at how the Aviation Industry navigates cultural limitations to create a respectful and inclusive environment for both passengers and employees.
Hofstede Dimensions
In an interview with a flight attendant, several Hofstede’s cultural dimensions were mentioned. Since this Aviation Industry is a Dutch company I will discuss the dimensions mentioned and their impact from the Dutch point of view along with a comparison to Mexico and Arab countries, since these were also mentioned.
1. Individualism vs. Collectivism
Aviation Industry decisions are a mix of individualism and collectivism. A small group makes the decisions and then communicates it to the rest. This shows a balance between individual initiative and collective agreement.
Mexico and Arab countries score high on collectivism, with loyalty to the group (family or organisation) and here group harmony, loyalty and consensus are valued over individual success.
2. Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation
The Aviation Industry focuses on long-term planning, such as using more self-service check-in machines to improve efficiency.
Both Mexico and Arab Countries tend to have a short-term orientation, focusing more on quick results and respecting traditions and social obligations.
3. Power Distance
Power distance in the Aviation Industry is relatively low, a more collective and approachable management style is used. Employees feel a sense of equality with their superiors, though personal connections cam influence advancement.
Mexico and Arab countries have a high power distance, meaning that hierarchical structures are accepted and expected. Authority and decision-making are centralised.
Outcome
1. Individualism vs. Collectivism
The impact of Aviation Industry’s balanced approach is that it allows for both personal responsibility and team cohesion, which is necessary in managing flights effectively. Compared to Mexico and Arab countries, the Aviation Industry’s approach seems less collective, which allows for more flexibility and individual expression within a team-oriented body.
2. Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation
The aviation Industry’s long-term orientation helps in sustained improvements and strategic planning, which could improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. This is parallel to the short-term oriented approach of Mexico and Arab countries.
3. Power Distance
The Aviation Industry’s low power distance encourages open communication and collaborative problem-solving, making the work environment more inclusive. This is in parallel to the hierarchical structures in Mexico and Arab countries, which limit direct communication and collaborative decision-making.
Possible solutions
Solution 1: Increasing the availability of multilingual flight attendants and customer service representatives to assist passengers who do not speak the primary languages used by the Aviation Industry.
Impact: Providing support in multiple languages would make communication smoother and help in resolving issues more effectively, thereby improving overall customer satisfaction.
Solution 2: The Aviation Industry could do regular workshops and seminars on cultural awareness and intercultural communication for employees.
Impact: These workshops would keep employees updated on best practices and new insights into cultural differences, creating a more inclusive and respectful work environment.
Authors
Naomi Massitela
Block 4, Semester 2, 16 June 2024
Salah Mahamud
Block 4, Semester 2, 16 June 2024
Lia Lacen
Block 4, Semester 2, 16 June 2024