Local Values, Global Standards: Understanding Aviation Safety Culture in the Middle East Region

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

This study examines the role of national cultural determinants in shaping aviation safety culture across the Middle East. Employing an exploratory research design that integrates a literature review and structured safety culture surveys, it analyzes how national, organizational, and traditional values influence safety attitudes, communication practices, and reporting behaviors. While the Middle Eastern countries, such as UAE and Qatar possesses advanced aviation infrastructure and regulatory systems, persistent Arab cultural norms, including deference to authority, collective responsibility, and avoidance of public blame, continue to shape safety management and organizational learning. The preliminary findings indicate that these values promote discipline, cooperation, and moral accountability, but may also limit openness and the development of a just culture, both of which are essential for proactive safety management. The study argues that strong aviation safety systems in the region depend on adaptive leadership, culturally responsive training, and institutional mechanisms that reconcile local value systems with global safety governance frameworks.

Authors

• Ogbozor, Ernest N Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Yimga, Jules Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• DeGarmo, Nicholas Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Lopez, Kathrine Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Marz, Hana Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Chrisman, Michael Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Leon, Cedric Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Souza Dias Garcia, Joao Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Debrah, Harrison Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Sestito, Mariateresa Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Obi, Albert Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Chidoka, Chidinma Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Aviation
• Safety Culture
• National Culture
• Exploratory Research
• Middle East
• International and Area Studies