Research Article

What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness

Volume: 13 Number: 2 October 4, 2026
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What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the relationships between professionalism, mindfulness, and job satisfaction among airline pilots and explores the mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between professionalism and job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a quantitative survey design. The sample consists of 171 airline pilots. Data were collected using the Professionalism Scale, the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale–Revised. The hypothesized relationships were tested through statistical analyses including mediation analysis. Findings: Results indicate significant positive associations between professionalism and job satisfaction and between mindfulness and job satisfaction. A significant indirect association between professionalism and job satisfaction through mindfulness was identified, with the observed pattern being consistent with partial mediation. Originality: The study provides empirical evidence on how professional and psychological factors shape job satisfaction among airline pilots.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The study was approved for ethical suitability by the Ethics Committee of the International Science and Technology University with decision number 202602-04, issued during the meeting held on February 5, 2025.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Organisational Behaviour, Strategy, Management and Organisational Behaviour (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 4, 2026

Submission Date

March 3, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 18, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 2

APA
Çeken, S., & Tuncal, A. (2026). What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness. İş Ve İnsan Dergisi, 13(2), 82-101. https://doi.org/10.18394/iid.1901863
AMA
1.Çeken S, Tuncal A. What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness. İş ve İnsan Dergisi. 2026;13(2):82-101. doi:10.18394/iid.1901863
Chicago
Çeken, Seda, and Arif Tuncal. 2026. “What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness”. İş Ve İnsan Dergisi 13 (2): 82-101. https://doi.org/10.18394/iid.1901863.
EndNote
Çeken S, Tuncal A (October 1, 2026) What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness. İş ve İnsan Dergisi 13 2 82–101.
IEEE
[1]S. Çeken and A. Tuncal, “What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness”, İş ve İnsan Dergisi, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 82–101, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.18394/iid.1901863.
ISNAD
Çeken, Seda - Tuncal, Arif. “What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness”. İş ve İnsan Dergisi 13/2 (October 1, 2026): 82-101. https://doi.org/10.18394/iid.1901863.
JAMA
1.Çeken S, Tuncal A. What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness. İş ve İnsan Dergisi. 2026;13:82–101.
MLA
Çeken, Seda, and Arif Tuncal. “What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness”. İş Ve İnsan Dergisi, vol. 13, no. 2, Oct. 2026, pp. 82-101, doi:10.18394/iid.1901863.
Vancouver
1.Seda Çeken, Arif Tuncal. What Drives Pilot Job Satisfaction? A Look at Professionalism and Mindfulness. İş ve İnsan Dergisi. 2026 Oct. 1;13(2):82-101. doi:10.18394/iid.1901863