Crew Resource Management
Crew Relationship Management (CRM), in aviation, refers to the utilization of resources to ensure safety in the industry, hence reducing incidents and accidents. It was established as a training concept in the 1970s by the aviation industry to help in curbing the high numbers of fatalities brought about by human error. CRM is imperative in promoting non-technical skills like making decisions and teamwork to facilitate problem-solving, leadership, and situation awareness. Businesses use CRM to manage their relations with potential customers as well as existing customers. Well-performing companies such as Hilton, Sonic, and Hard Rock have been using CRM for decades. Financial institutions are adapting to the CRM at a much slower pace as compared to other industries. However, it is paramount for credit unions and banks to take a closer look at how they can effectively manage their relationships with customersz.
According to Muñoz-Marrón (2018), psychological sciences have contributed significantly to the aviation industry. The study and analysis of human factors in aviation are among the critical factors in the industry that reduce accidents. Additionally, CRM programs are undoubtedly the most successful tools that have helped in dealing with human error (Muñoz-Marrón, 2018). In the 1990s, the maritime industry also adopted CRM training philosophy after a number of incidents in which human error was cited as the primary cause (Wahl, Aud & Kongsvik, 2018). The maritime community found out that a number of human factors such as stress, situation awareness, and fatigue significantly contributed to accidents. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) saw it fit to introduce a program that ensured ship officers underwent teamwork and leadership training. Subsequently, it has led to a rise in interest in non-technical abilities in the maritime sphere.
Furthermore, CRM has proved to be effective not only in the aviation industry but also in other sectors of the economy. Essentially, CRM is effective because it allows flight crew members to enhance flight safety. It promotes the use of non-technical skills such as making decisions and teamwork to ensure sound problem solving and situational awareness. In addition, CRM training teaches personnel on how to develop skills necessary during work. Such skills may include; stress management, critique and self-critique leadership, and followership, among others. Therefore, CRM training is relevant in aviation and other sectors as it ensures efficiency.
Moreover, CRM training has improved communication and teamwork in the intended areas. CRM centers on interpersonal communication, decision making, and leadership in the cockpit of a plane. The FAA Safety Team Central Florida (2013) deduce that three fundamental elements guide CRM, including communications, setting priorities, and workload management. Communication is, therefore, an integral component of CRM training. One of CRM’s main objectives is to improve the working environment for crew members and other professionals involved in flight operations. Improving the working environment enhances relations between members, thus, improving communication. A conducive working environment strengthens the bond between crew members, which is vital for decision making, respect, and situation awareness, to mention a few.
In a nutshell, CRM was established in the 1970s in response to the rising number of deadly incidents in the aviation sector. Primarily, CRM was established to ensure aviation safety, and it also applies to other businesses. Various scholars have made it clear that CRM works and is effective, in that it minimizes risks and accidents in workplaces. It concerns itself with interpersonal communication, decision making, and leadership in the cockpit of a plane. Most importantly, CRM improves the working environment for crew members which, in turn, enhances relations and boost communication.
References
FAA Safety Team Central Florida. (2013, March 14). The History of CRM (Crew Resource Management) {Video file}. Retrieved July 14, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpx3e1kCMCA&feature=youtu.be
Muñoz-Marrón, D. (2018). Human factors in aviation: CRM (crew resource management). Papeles del Psicólogo/Psychologist Papers, 39(3), 191-199.
Wahl, A. M., & Kongsvik, T. (2018). Crew resource management training in the maritime industry: a literature review. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 17(3), 377-396.