The emerging cognitive difficulties and emotional-motivational challenges of ghanaian air traffic controllers: Implication for improved job design

Abstract

This study explored the cognitive difficulties and emotional-motivational challenges associated with air traffic control activity in Ghana. This based on the observation that air traffic controllers at the main airport in Ghana operate under very stressful situations in managing the high traffic and movement of aircrafts. Guided by the systemic structural theory of activity, it was found that the air traffic control activity entailed a complex set of tasks that required operators to have very high levels of knowledge and expertise in the practical application of specific skills pertaining to cognitive domains. It is concluded that even though a complex motor task in the air traffic control activity can be performed by the workers, it demands significant cognitive effort, with consequential effect on the emotional-motivational aspects of the activity they perform. This understanding can be incorporated in designing an operator-efficient and effective work system for air traffic controllers in Ghana.