Examining Job Satisfaction and Its Sub-Dimensions in Air Traffic Control

Abstract

Job satisfaction is a crucial factor that directly affects the performance and job commitment of critical human elements in aviation, such as air traffic controllers. The aim of the study was to examine the job satisfaction levels of controllers along with their sub-factors according to demographic variables. For this purpose, a descriptive survey method was used, and data were collected from 205 controllers through an online questionnaire. Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, based on a 5-point Likert scale, was utilized as the measurement tool. The findings showed that controllers were generally moderately satisfied with their jobs (M= 3.48). The average score for intrinsic satisfaction (M= 3.89) was higher than the overall satisfaction, while the average score for extrinsic satisfaction (M= 2.86) was lower. Additionally, it was found that job satisfaction did not significantly differ by gender, experience, or operational unit, with professional identity emerging as a more dominant factor in determining job satisfaction. Intrinsic satisfaction was achieved through personal meaning and satisfaction related to the profession, whereas extrinsic satisfaction reflected dissatisfaction with factors such as salary, promotion opportunities, and managerial processes. The results highlighted the critical importance of actions aimed at enhancing extrinsic satisfaction for both flight safety and aviation efficiency. It is recommended that future studies consider job satisfaction in conjunction with variables related to stress and organizational processes.

Keywords

• Air traffic controller
• aviation
• job satisfaction
• flow experience

Hava Trafik Kontrolde İş Tatmini ve Alt Boyutlarının İncelenmesi

Abstract

İş tatmini, hava trafik kontrolörleri gibi havacılığın kritik insan unsurlarının performansını ve işe bağlılıklarını doğrudan etkileyen önemli bir faktördür. Çalışmanın amacı, kontrolörlerin iş tatmin düzeylerinin alt faktörleriyle birlikte demografik değişkenlere göre incelenmesidir. Bu amaçla, çalışmada betimsel tarama yöntemi kullanılmış ve çevrimiçi anket yoluyla 205 kontrolörden veri toplanmıştır. Ölçme aracı olarak 5’li Likert derecelendirmesine dayalı Minnesota İş Tatmini Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Bulgular, kontrolörlerin genel olarak işlerinden orta düzeyde tatmin olduklarını (Ort.= 3.48), iç tatmin (Ort.= 3.89) ortalamasının genel tatminden daha yüksek, dış tatminin (Ort.= 2.86) ise genel tatmin ortalamasından daha düşük olduğunu göstermektedir. Ayrıca, iş tatmininin cinsiyet, tecrübe ve operasyonel birime göre anlamlı bir farklılık göstermediği, mesleki kimliğin iş tatminini belirlemede daha baskın olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. İç tatmin, kontrolörlerin mesleğe dair kişisel anlam ve tatmin boyutlarında sağlanmakta; dış tatmin ise ücret, terfi imkanları ve yönetimsel süreçler gibi faktörlerden memnuniyetsizliği yansıtmaktadır. Sonuçlar, dış tatmini artırıcı eylemlerin hem uçuş emniyeti hem de havacılık verimliliği açısından kritik olduğunu vurgulamaktadır. Gelecekteki çalışmalarda iş tatmini, stres ve örgütsel süreçlere ilişkin değişkenlerin birlikte ele alınmasını önerilmektedir.

Keywords

• Havacılık
• hava trafik kontrolörü
• iş tatmini
• akış deneyimi

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