Date of Award
8-2003
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Communication
First Advisor
Dr. Julie Apker
Second Advisor
Dr. Peter Northouse
Third Advisor
Dr. Wendy Ford
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Despite the high reliability of current aeronautical technology and safety improvements, human error continues to be a factor in 60-80% of all aviation mishaps. Training to diminish potential errors is often based on analysis of faulty procedures, or lack of procedures without a systemic view including human factors such as communication, decision-making and interaction dynamics. This research explores the existence of the psychological construct of shared mindfulness and examines how it is communicatively constructed and enacted in a high reliability environment such as the aviation industry. The present qualitative study examines shared mindfulness in 10 aviation student dyads in a decision-making crisis situation to identify the communication behaviors of the construct and to determine whether shared mindfulness may lead to more effective pilot decision outcomes.
The study findings reveal both the existence of shared mindfulness as a communicative construct and identify seven inductively derived communication process categories that create shared mindfulness in a dyadic interaction. Additionally, the study findings show that those dyads that demonstrated more communication behaviors of shared mindfulness also made the most effective decisions.
Recommended Citation
Krieger, Janice L., "Mindful Communication in a Crisis: Communication Behaviors of Shared Mindfulness and Effective Pilot Decision Outcomes in Crisis Situations" (2003). Masters Theses. 4883.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4883