Tapping Diverse Talent in Aviation

Mary Ann Turney is Associate Professor at the College of Technology and Applied Science, Arizona State University.

'For much of its history, aviation (at least in the United States) has been prone to accept only male Caucasian persons as practitioners, particularly in the cockpit. As a result, the contributions of women and members of underrepresented minority groups, who found it difficult or impossible to find their places in this fascinating and rewarding field, were lost. Fortunately, those old attitudes are rapidly changing, and increasing numbers of these talented individuals are finding themselves accepted as aviation professionals. As this occurs, however, there are inevitable issues of understanding and acceptance of different ways of thinking, dressing, and comporting oneself. Professor Turney's book will be of great help to those of us who are charged with leadership in aviation organizations and those who teach the next generation of aviation professionals, as we embrace diversity and help to bring about the cultural changes necessary to allow every person to contribute fully and grow professionally.' Dr Thomas Carney, Professor of Aviation Technology, Purdue University, USA ’Vive La Différence! This book is a celebration of human contrast. The authors skillfully expose the grand spectrum of humanity and present diversity as an opportunity rather than a challenge. They propose skills that acknowledge human differences and capitalize on them. The book is "must reading" for anyone who yearns to build a highly effective team; the power of human difference can be the propellant to launch a team to elevated heights of performance.’ Dr. Guy M. Smith, Professor of Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA ’I heartily welcome the publication of this informative and groundbreaking text...in particular the manner in which it helps orient us in new directions and encourages us to anticipate the kind of changes to which the aviation industry must adapt in the future.’ Captain Neil Johnston, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (from the Foreword) ’

• Contents: Part I: Diversity: Tapping diverse talent: a must for the new century, Mary Ann Turney and Robert F. Maxant; Values and orientation differ in mixed crews, Mary Ann Turney; Teaching non-native English speakers: challenges and strategies, Irene Henley and Wayne Daly; Learning style preferences affect training outcomes, Merrill R. Karp; Women's learning and leadership styles: implications for air crews, Mary Ann Turney and James C. Bishop; Gender differences in learning to fly, Ruth Lowe Sitler. Part II: Language: ICAO language proficiency requirements, Elizabeth Mathews; The efficacy of standard aviation English, Robert F. Ripley and James L. Fitch; Reflexive communication in the multi-cultural crew, Taras Stratechuk and Ted Beneigh; Humor, stories and cultural context, Mary Ann Turney; The music is the messgae: prosody in aviation discourse, Marsha Hunter; Nonverbal cues 'speak' volumes, Mary Ann Turney; Protocols, rank and social status influence communication, Mary Ann Turney. Part III: Environment: 'Who are you calling a safety threat?' A debate on safety in mono-cultural versus multi-cultural cockpits, Ashleigh Merritt and Surendra Ratwatte; Inclusive versus exclusive strategies in aviation training, Mary Ann Turney, Irene Henley, Mary Niemczyk and William K. McCurry; Ergonomics and diversity, Patricia C. Fitzgerald; Clash of subcultures in on-gate communication, Christy Armentrout-Brazee and Marifran Mattson; Making everyone part of the team: a model, Merrill R. Karp and Mary Ann Turney; Index.