Re: Cultural Deference

Robert C. Hamilton (RCHamilt_at_sprynet.com)
Mon, 20 Jan 1997 21:24:51 -0600

----------
> From: ANDREW NEWMAN <mnewman_at_delrio.com>
> To: crm-devel_at_db.erau.edu
> Subject: Cultural Deference
> Date: Sunday, 19 January, 1997 07:42
>
> I am looking for advice on addressing cultural deference in the new
> courseware for the CRM program geared towards instructors and evaluators
in
> USAF T-37 and T-38 aircraft. We get a great deal of foreign students and
I
> want to find a way to tread lightly on this ground so as not to offend
the
> students but at the same time present a highly effective method for the
> instructors to let the student know his/her input is not only essential
to
> the safety of the flight but is expected. I am considering the prebrief
> and debrief of the flight to be the best place for this subject but I
can't
> present something that will go outside the "politically correct"
guideline.
> Thanks, Andy Newman.

Andy-

We have had the opportunity here in Pensacola to put a few foreign students
through our ACT (CRM for the Navy) course. These have included Dutch,
Canadians, Saudi's, and a host of others. In July we have been asked to
train two Japanese officers. From the outset, we have treated ACT/CRM as a
set of skills designed to increase crew effectiveness and reduce risk.
While I understand the desire to avoid conflict with other cultures, I
think that part of what foreign governments pay for, or at least are aware
of, when sending their people through US military aviation curricula is an
understanding/absorbtion of the culture that developed it. It is certainly
not my intent to sound conceited here. There are many things we could stand
to "absorb."

If you'd like to discuss this further please drop me a note or call.

Thanks - Bob Hamilton
Navy ACT Instructional Model Manager
DSN: 922-2088/5567
RCHamilt_at_sprynet.com or NASC.032B_at_smtp.cnet.navy.mil

P.S. - For all - We are still looking for material on optimization of
checklist/manual formatting