Citation

Jing HS, Lu PJ, Yong K, Wang HC. Hum. Factors Aerosp. Safety 2002; 2(3): 257-275.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Ashgate Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The present study investigates the faces of Chinese authoritarianism in the cockpit. It is well known that authoritarianism is likely the most important cultural variable related to global flight safety. Chinese authoritarianism as a special type can be appropriately symbolised by the Chinese dragon. Its essential characters, deduced from the origin of the dragon representing a complete concept, totally different from the understanding as being evil held by Western people, are described in this study. A full-scale survey of the pilots in Taiwan was performed. From the comparisons made between local and foreign Captains, it was found that with the Chinese dragon in mind, Chinese authoritarianism can be categorised as having the following components: (1) inscrutable power, which incorporates (a) obedience, (b) respect, (c) fear of being punished; (2) auspicious expectation, which incorporates (a) kindness, (b) taking care, (c) superb superior, and (3) family clan. It is expected that with this study the mutual understanding between Chinese pilots and the Western designers of the aviation system can be promoted.