Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2018 Relationship Between Airline Category, Geographical Region, and Safety Performance Peter Simpson Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Aerospace Engineering Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, and the Transportation Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral study by Peter Simpson has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Peter Anthony, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Ronald Jones, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Scott Burrus, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2018 Abstract Relationship Between Airline Category, Geographical Region, and Safety Performance by Peter A. Simpson MA, Australian Catholic University, 2012 MBA, University of Southern Queensland, 2005 MSc, Loughborough University, 1999 BSc(Hon), University of Newcastle, 1995 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University September 2018 Abstract Passengers rank safety as a key factor in airline choice. Thus, safety performance impacts an airline’s ability to attract customers. The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the relationship and difference between airline category low-cost carriers (LCCs) and full-service carriers (FSCs), geographical region, and safety performance measured by accident rates. The target population comprised all airlines in all countries that had an accident during the 14-year period 2004 to 2017. Data consisted of archival data of all global airline accidents and airline departure frequencies for the 14-year period. The theory of organizational accidents in complex sociotechnical systems explains the relationship between LCC and FSC safety performance, as well as between global geographical regions. The Swiss cheese model of organizational accidents theoretical framework remains a relevant model to examine airline accidents and improve airline safety. Data analysis consisted of the t test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analysis. LCCs were found to be as safe as FSCs on a global level, and safer than FSCs in some regions. There were regional differences in safety, with North America being safer than Africa. The implications for positive social change include the potential for airline leaders to improve the safety image of their airline and provide passengers a better understanding of airline safety. Providing passengers with information on airline safety performance allows passengers to make informed choices on using different categories of airlines in different geographical regions. The research may result in new travel opportunities for travelers that were previously unrealized due to safety concerns, particularly around the increased use of LCCs. Relationship Between Airline Category, Geographical Region, and Safety Performance by Peter A. Simpson MA, Australian Catholic University, 2012 MBA, University of Southern Queensland, 2005 MSc, Loughborough University, 1999 BSc(Hon), University of Newcastle, 1995 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University September 2018 Acknowledgments Thanks to God. Thanks to my family for their support and patience. Thanks to Dr. Peter Anthony for his guidance and wisdom. Thanks to Dr. Mark Wiggins who seeded inspiration a long time ago. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi Section 1: Foundation of the Study ......................................................................................1 Background of the Problem ...........................................................................................1 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................3 Purpose Statement ..........................................................................................................3 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................4 Quantitative Research Question and Hypotheses ..........................................................5 Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................5 Operational Definitions ..................................................................................................6 Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ................................................................7 Assumptions ............................................................................................................ 7 Limitations .............................................................................................................. 8 Delimitations ........................................................................................................... 8 Significance of the Study ...............................................................................................8 Contribution to Business Practice ........................................................................... 8 Implications for Social Change ............................................................................... 9 A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ..............................................10 The Swiss Cheese Model ...................................................................................... 10 Low-Cost Carriers ................................................................................................. 27 Perception of Low-Cost Carrier Safety................................................................. 31 i Regulating Airline Safety ..................................................................................... 35 Measuring Airline Safety ...................................................................................... 39 Regional Safety Performance ............................................................................... 48 Transition .....................................................................................................................57 Section 2: The Project ........................................................................................................59 Purpose Statement ........................................................................................................59 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................59 Participants ...................................................................................................................60 Research Method and Design ......................................................................................61 Research Method .................................................................................................. 61 Research Design.................................................................................................... 62 Population and Sampling .............................................................................................64 Population ............................................................................................................. 64 Sampling ............................................................................................................... 64 Ethical Research...........................................................................................................68 Data Collection Instruments ........................................................................................68 Data Collection Technique ..........................................................................................70 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................73 Study Validity ..............................................................................................................76 Statistical Conclusion Validity ............................................................................. 77 External Validity ................................................................................................... 80 Transition and Summary ..............................................................................................81 ii Section 3: Application to Professional Practice and Implications for Change ..................82 Introduction ..................................................................................................................82