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Journals / Üsküdar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi / 2026 / Sayı: 20

Power Distance, Communication, and Safety: A Study on Aircraft Maintenance Workers

Güç Mesafesi, İletişim ve Emniyet: Uçak Bakım Personeli Üzerine Bir Araştırma

Özlem Çapan Özeren(MALTEPE ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-5128-8698
Pages
49–75
Publication Date
2025-06-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Our findings reveal a significant aspect of the aviation maintenance sector.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines the influence of organizational power distance on communication, voice behavior, and safety-related decisions in the aviation maintenance sector.
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Key Findings & Data:Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 aircraft maintenance technicians from four companies.
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Conclusion & Impact:Our findings reveal a significant aspect of the aviation maintenance sector.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Havacılık · Örgütsel Güç Mesafesi · İletişim

Abstract

This study examines the influence of organizational power distance on communication, voice behavior, and safety-related decisions in the aviation maintenance sector. In this high-risk field, precision and collaboration are critical. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 aircraft maintenance technicians from four companies. Thematic analysis identified four main categories: social withdrawal, acquiescence to power, instrumental use of power, and sensitivity to others' judgments, which refers to the tendency of employees to consider the opinions and reactions of their peers and superiors before speaking up or making decisions. Our findings reveal a significant aspect of the aviation maintenance sector. While many employees are willing to speak up when they disagree with the majority, some—especially younger and less experienced technicians—prefer to remain silent due to hierarchical pressures and fear of retaliation. This behavior contributes to organizational silence, which may hinder the detection of safety threats. Participants also strongly opposed favoritism, linking it to the unethical instrumental use of power. While some viewed strict leadership as necessary for enforcing discipline, others emphasized the importance of respectful, human-centered management. The study underscores the urgent need for participatory management practices in the aviation maintenance sector. Power distance is not static but shaped by organizational culture, self-confidence, seniority, and perceived psychological safety. To reduce risks and promote safety, organizations must prioritize the development of participatory management practices, transparent communication structures, and environments that support speaking up without fear. These findings contribute to broader discussions on organizational culture and safety in high-stakes industries like aviation.

Özet

Bu çalışma, havacılık bakım sektöründe örgütsel güç mesafesinin iletişim, çalışanların görüş bildirme ve fikir paylaşımı konusundaki davranışları (literatürde "voice behavior" olarak geçen) ve emniyetle ilgili kararlar üzerindeki etkisini incelemektedir. Hassasiyet ve iş birliğinin kritik olduğu bu yüksek riskli alanda, nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmış ve dört farklı şirkette görev yapan 13 uçak bakım teknisyeniyle derinlemesine görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Tematik analiz sonucunda dört ana kategori belirlenmiştir: sosyal geri çekilme, güce razı olma, gücün araçsal kullanımı ve başkalarının yargılarına duyarlılık. Bu son tema, çalışanların fikirlerini ifade etmeden veya karar almadan önce çevrelerindeki kişilerin ve üstlerinin görüşlerini ve tepkilerini dikkate alma eğilimini ifade etmektedir. Bulgularımız, havacılık bakım sektörüne özgü önemli bir noktayı ortaya koymaktadır. Katılımcıların bir kısmı çoğunlukla aynı fikirde olmadıklarında görüşlerini dile getirmeye istekli olsalar da, özellikle genç ve deneyimsiz teknisyenler, hiyerarşik baskılar ve misilleme korkusu nedeniyle sessiz kalmayı tercih etmektedir. Bu durum, emniyet risklerinin fark edilmesini engelleyebilecek örgütsel sessizliğe yol açmaktadır. Katılımcılar ayrıca kayırmacılığa güçlü biçimde karşı çıkmakta ve bunu, gücün etik dışı araçsal kullanımının bir göstergesi olarak değerlendirmektedir. Bazı çalışanlar katı liderliği disiplin sağlamak açısından gerekli görürken, diğerleri saygılı ve insan odaklı bir yönetim tarzının önemini vurgulamıştır. Çalışma, havacılık bakım sektöründe katılımcı yönetim uygulamalarının gerekliliğine dikkat çekmektedir. Güç mesafesi durağan bir yapı değildir; örgüt kültürü, özgüven, kıdem ve algılanan psikolojik güvenlik gibi unsurlar tarafından şekillenmektedir. Emniyeti artırmak ve riskleri azaltmak için, örgütlerin şeffaf iletişim yapıları, korkusuzca görüş ifade etme ortamları ve katılımcı yönetim anlayışlarını önceliklendirmeleri gerekmektedir. Elde edilen bulgular, havacılık gibi yüksek riskli sektörlerde örgüt kültürü ve emniyet üzerine yürütülen literatüre anlamlı katkılar sunmaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Özeren, Ö. Ç. (2025). Power Distance, Communication, and Safety: A Study on Aircraft Maintenance Workers. Üsküdar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, Sayı: 20, 49–75. https://doi.org/10.32739/uskudarsbd.11.20.152

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