Framework of on-board team effectiveness: a qualitative study of shipping industry

Abstract

Purpose Marine experts have recognised the importance of on-board teamwork for a ship’s safe operation. The purpose of the study is to develop a framework of “on-board team effectiveness” as perceived by the seafarers with the help of conceptual categories discovered from the study. It describes and explain how members of floating shipboard team operates in a global environment which is dynamic, complex and full of challenges. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research design was used to study wherein the grounded theory approach was adopted for data analysis. A purposive sample of 44 Indian seafarers covering all ranks and departments of the shipboard team were selected for the study. Primary data were collected through long interviews and focused group discussions with the respondents. Secondary data were collected through industry periodicals. Findings Ten conceptual categories were developed, and their interplay was identified to understand various aspects of shipboard team working in different contexts. Practical implications The insights gained from the study can be used to enhance shipboard team’s working and safe operation of the ship. Originality/value The study is unique in addressing team effectiveness issues of shipboard teams. Understanding teamwork effectiveness of a culturally diversified shipboard team shall facilitate safe working practices and act as a deterrent to human errors, which causes accidents and incidents.