Aircraft Maintenance Technology November 2019 - 38

PROFESSIONALISM

HIRING RIGHT FOR CULTURAL FIT
By Amanda Graff
CHANGE IS CONSTANT. NOW MORE THAN EVER, LEADERS
must be agile and responsive to changes and challenges to avoid
misdirection and wasting resources. With the advancements
in technology, companies need to be more vigilant than ever.
Choosing to remain stagnant is not an option. Change must be
embraced. That being said, if an organization's culture does not
support "change," no matter how good the strategy, it is likely
to fail and fall short of its goals.
This article will touch on the old adage, "culture eats strategy for breakfast," and why the two must be united in order to
drive positive organizational results, hire right and retain good
employees. Acknowledging that the two must intertwine, will
help minimize resistance and, ultimately, insure employee engagement and retention.

SO, WHAT IS ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE?
According to the Society for Human Resource Management
(SHRM), "culture consist of shared beliefs and values established
by leaders and then communicated and reinforced through various
methods, ultimately shaping employee perceptions, behaviors and
understanding... There is not a one-size-fits-all culture template
that meets the needs of all organizations..."
In short, an organizations culture determines the way
employees interact with each other and its customers. Each

individual, from every level, plays a part in contributing to
the culture of an organization. Their attitude and perception
can determine whether the culture is positive or negative and
play a part in employee retention and the ability to attract the
right candidate(s).

THE STATE OF THE WORKFORCE
Plain and simple, there is a shortage of qualified pilots, aircraft
maintenance technicians and qualified people in general, now.
This deficit is growing and, by the year 2022, the aviation industry
will not have enough workers to meet the demands. The temptation to hire the "warm body," due to shifts/positions needing to
be filled, can have drastic results, not just on an organization,
but on the industry as a whole.
This sense of urgency is so relevant that a bill was introduced
by the House of Representatives to establish an aviation maintenance workforce development program. AOPA president and
CEO Mark Baker said, "This legislation will help ensure that
the future of aviation remains viable and that aircraft owners
will have the resources they need to keep our airplanes flying
safely for decades to come." (H.R.5701 - To establish an aviation
maintenance workforce development pilot program.)1
Recognizing the challenge to acquire and retain talent is one
thing. An organization must ensure they are taking the necessary

ALL THINGS EQUAL, EXPERIENCE MATTERS.
TransCon Service Maintenance
Vehicle
Model HTSBSUV
With Scissor Lift

Charger Electric Baggage-Cargo
Tractor

Model HLE
Available with lead-acid or lithium battery

TransCon
Baggage-Cargo Tractor

Classic Baggage-Cargo Tractor

Model HTSB30-60
Also available with lithium battery

As a manufacturer of our own parts and components, we have the ability to customize parts as well as support parts beyond standard expected part life in the industry.

Model HT30-60

TransCon APV
Airport Maintenance Vehicle
Model HTSBAPV

www.harlan-corp.com
+1-800-255-4262
sales@harlan-corp.com

AviationPros.com/company/10017401

38 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY

http://www.harlan-corp.com http://www.AviationPros.com/company/10017401

Aircraft Maintenance Technology November 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aircraft Maintenance Technology November 2019