parabellum
Thanks.
I think you're saying (through a better choice of words) what I was trying to say. Only you've stated it much better. There is a chain of command. Of course. But no one is going to hand out demerits or assign extra duties over the weekend because the F/O is behaving badly as well as being annoying. (we've considered it but all it did was send the corporate lawyers into a tizzy)
If an F/O is being 'stroppy' perhaps we shouldn't jump to conclusions about his/her 'stroppiness' for it could be that the Captains manner, speech, (sideways) comments, or outright rudeness, (and I'm not pointing at anyone in particular) which may be causing this person in the RHS to behave this way. To the point where an insolent/insubordinate attitude (in some individuals) is the result. Then I should think we have a problem beyond CRM.
I once shared a coffee with a crew I hadn't met just prior to a sim session. The Captain seemed likeable, easy going and displayed a great sense of humour... around the coffee pot.
Under sim training however, he was a complete ogre. He treated the F/O poorly. Very condescending and disrespectful. In the end, I stopped the session and told the Capt. his attitude and treatment of the F/O was totally unacceptable. That he needed to lighten up and re-think the two man crew concept before we could continue.
He was shocked because he told me later, he never saw himself "like that". To HIS credit, he has a very different approach to Command these days and has earned the respect of a good number of his F/Os.
You (general term) might then have to take a closer look at the behavior of both parties and not automatically conclude since the Captain feels his/her F/O is being 'stroppy' that the F/O isn't entitled to make it known that he/she feels that the Capt. is being a prat which is possibly causing a personality conflict and behavior problem.
Two sides and two views to each story I'm afraid.
If we've decided this F/O needs to mend his ways then perhaps he too needs to be told in no uncertain terms that his attitude and behavior on the flight deck is unacceptable and that he needs to step back and take a critical look at his behavior. It might also be that the Captain needs to examine his or herself as well.
In the end, not everyone, with or without CRM training, can play nice and get along. I don't care how good or how strict SOPs may be. For some, it just isn't going to work.