Employees with the Wind at Their Back: The Effect of Organizational Support on Performance in Aviation

Abstract

In the aviation industry, where safety and operational efficiency are paramount, maintaining high employee performance is essential. This study examines the relationship between perceived organizational support and individual performance among aviation sector employees, including flight crews, ground services, and technical staff. Data were collected from 429 participants employed at various airports and airline companies using two validated, single-dimensional instruments: the “Perceived Organizational Support Scale” and the “Employee Performance Scale.” To test the hypothesized relationships, a structural regression model — a form of structural equation modelling (SEM) that integrates confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and path analysis — was applied using AMOS software. The results of the SEM analysis indicated that perceived organizational support has a significant and positive effect on employee performance. While the study did not include additional mediating variables such as motivation or job satisfaction, the statistical findings highlight the predictive power of organizational support on performance outcomes. These results offer strategic implications for HR professionals, operations planners, and senior management, underlining the importance of organizational support as a key driver of performance in the high-risk and dynamic aviation industry.

Keywords

• Perceived Organizational Support
• Aviation Industry
• Job Performance
• Employee Motivation
• Workplace Satisfaction

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