Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Elizabeth Thompson

Abstract

Maritime pilots provide a vital service in facilitating the safe and efficient passage of vessels into and out of ports and waterways worldwide. Lack of effective selection of maritime pilots can jeopardize the welfare of people, property, and marine ecosystems. Based on Edwards' conceptualization of person-job fit theory, this quantitative, ex post facto study was an examination of whether personality traits, as measured by the Personality Research Form E (PRF-E), could predict maritime pilot selection. The research questions were: (a) Is there a significant relationship between respondents' PRF-E scale ratings and selection for a maritime pilot job and (b) How significant is the relationship between each of the 22 PRF-E scale ratings and selection for a maritime pilot job. Using a sample of 328 maritime pilot applicants, binary logistic regression was conducted to determine if any of the PRF-E variables were significant predictors of pilot selection. The results of the logistic regression analysis illustrated a significant predictive relationship between 9 of the 22 PRF-E scales and maritime pilot selection, specifically the traits of abasement, achievement, change, cognitive structure, dominance, harmavoidance, sentience, desirability, and infrequency. Future research should examine the relationship between selected maritime pilots' personality traits and job performance. Potential contributions to positive social change include improving the capability of maritime pilot commissions and associations to make more informed and effective selection decisions. The continued assessment of maritime pilot candidates' personality traits could support the prevention of future vessel accidents, ecological damage, human injuries, and fatalities.

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