Authority gradients and safety - exam

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1. What is the primary goal of addressing authority gradients in aviation, as far as the work of AviAssist is concerned?*

Increasing efficiency
Enhancing safety
Improving customer satisfaction
Reducing fuel costs

2. How can leaders best prepare themselves for feedback from subordinates?*

By ignoring all criticism from team members
By developing an open mindset and actively seeking input
By punishing those who provide negative feedback
By maintaining strict hierarchical boundaries

3. In conflict resolution within a cockpit, what should be the primary focus?*

Winning the argument
Maintaining the captain’s authority
Ensuring flight safety
Avoiding all disagreements

4. Which of the following actions can leaders take to empower staff to speak up about safety concerns?*

Avoid discussing personal challenges or vulnerabilities with the team.
Hold informal meetings where leaders openly discuss vulnerable situations they’ve faced and seek input from the team.
Focus solely on formal safety protocols without engaging in open dialogue.
Discourage feedback to maintain authority.

5. Which of the following best describes assertiveness in the context of aviation safety management?*

A communication style that avoids confrontation by agreeing with others
The ability to confidently express concerns, especially about safety, in a clear and respectful manner
A passive approach to following orders without questioning
A leadership style that prioritizes authority over collaboration

6. True or false: organisations can mature their safety culture if leaders not only speak when there is a problem but also when a team has done excellently well and achieved their target.*

True
False

7. Which of the following is NOT a recommended way of dealing with the authority gradient?*

Encouraging crew resource management (CRM) training
Promoting a speak-up culture
Implementing strict punishment for questioning authority
Using inclusive language and decision-making processes

8. Which statement best describes an optimal authority gradient in the cockpit?*

The captain makes all decisions without input from others
There is no hierarchy, and all crew members have equal authority
A balance where leadership is respected, but input from all crew members is valued
First officers always defer to the captain’s judgment

9. Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of having a steep authority gradient?*

Increased operational efficiency
Enhanced safety outcomes
Failure to challenge unsafe decisions
Improved crew coordination

10. What is one way aviation companies can address authority gradients within their organizations?*

Implementing rigid hierarchical structures
Limiting feedback from lower-level employees
Encouraging top-down communication only
Providing regular training on team dynamics and communication

11. What is one common psychological effect of using the word "but" in feedback?*

It can create a sense of urgency
It emphasizes the positive feedback more strongly.
It often causes the recipient to focus only on the negative feedback.
It helps to clarify the feedback.

12. True or false: Staff and management learning to accept positive and negative feedback will assist in improving the safety culture in an organization*

True
False

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Authority gradients and safety – exam

Authority gradients in company & cockpit