Insights Concerning Situation Awareness From Airport Personnel During Routine and High-Demand Events

Abstract

This study surveyed how airport employees perceive and maintain situation awareness (SA) during both routine and high-demand events. Fourteen airport employees across departments (Administrative and Operational) were interviewed to identify the differences across environmental/personal/organizational factors and SA culture that may not be visible to external observers. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were collected throughout the interview questions. A two-way mixed (SA culture × Group Position) ANOVA was conducted to identify differences of SA culture between the two position groups. No significant differences were found between the position groups. Regarding differences in SA culture, results indicated that department’s priority for SA was significantly higher than both the participants’ confidence in maintaining SA and their perceived training adequacy. Responses to qualitative questions were evaluated through word cloud generation. Different key words were identifiable in response to the two SA themes explored in the interview questions. Words like “monitoring,” “experience,” “confidence,” and “priority” were used widely throughout the responses from the employees. Combining quantitative and qualitative results, the study recognized the opportunity in the industry to identify perceived SA priority and training adequacy within organizations. Insights regarding implications to other airports with higher passenger traffic are discussed in conclusion.