Shared Leadership and Just Culture: Tools to Promote SMS Hazard Reporting

Human error accounts for approximately 80% of Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 121 aviation accidents in the United States. Of that 80%, 10% can be traced to human error in aviation maintenance. To combat this well- known and established challenge in the industry, the Federal Aviation Administration has provided air carriers with tools to assist in the tracking and reporting of potential safety violations specific to the maintenance environment; Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Maintenance Human Factors (MxHF) Training (AC 120-72A). In theory, these implements provide a well-rounded approach to managing safety and human error in aviation maintenance. However, cultural influences and other barriers (e.g., poor communication) often hamper successful use of such tools. The purpose of this research study was to determine if leveraging human capital through shared leadership and the promotion of hazard reporting via a Just Culture improved the likelihood of hazard reporting. To address the problem of insufficient reporting resulting from communication and cultural barriers a survey was conducted. It was found that the presence, real or perceived, of shared leadership and a Just Culture minimized these barriers and promoted safety hazard reporting. It was also found that the inclusion of a reporting system which addressed the presence of human error in an aviation maintenance environment, such as the REPAIRER method, further supported an SMS program when paired with Shared Leadership and a Just Culture environment.