Carl E. Enomoto,

New Mexico State University, 

Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A,

E-mail: cenomoto@nmsu.edu

CULTURE AND PLANE CRASHES: A CROSS-COUNTRY TEST OF THE GLADWELL HYPOTHESIS

Karl R. Geisler,

New Mexico State University,

Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A,

E-mail: geisler@nmsu.edu

Abstract. Early studies found evidence of a positive correlation between Hofstede’s power distance scores, which measure the extent to which those without power defer to those with it, and plane accidents in different countries. However, these studies did not control for the level of economic activity (Gross Domestic Product-GDP) and severe weather conditions in these countries. This paper uses regression analysis to estimate the effects of number of flights, GDP, severe weather conditions, and culture on plane crashes in sixty eight countries. It is found that per-capita GDP and country scores on the cultural dimension of individualism are inversely related to plane accidents while power distance scores and number of flights are directly related to plane accidents. Continued training for pilots and copilots in direct cockpit communication can help overcome cultural barriers and reduce plane accidents.

Received: February, 2017

1st Revision: June, 2017

Accepted: August, 2017

DOI: 10.14254/2071- 789X.2017/10-3/20

JEL Classification: Z1, Z13

Keywords: plane accidents; culture; power distance; miscommunication.