W.K. & I.P. and others:
I used to work in the Latino part of the world. That is where El Commondante still ruled. Things were done properly amongst the crew. (management still rubbish, but down route my suite was well received).
I remember a story from a fellow captain who was on a down-route turnround, in a Latino country.
"After quite a while the pax had not yet arrived. He queried this with the No.1,(who was anglo-scaxon) and who told him she was still waiting for the cabin to be cleaned, and some other nicities to be provided. She had requested this from the agent some while ago, (but not informed the captain of this need.)
Captain summons the agent, and asks what is happening. He says that he is waiting for the No.1 to start boarding, but she has refused. Qeh??
The Captain then re-orders the same as the No.1 had previously. Miraculously things now start to happen in a flash. He then briefs the No. 1 on keeping him informed, and that in some parts of the world El Commondante is still the boss."
Sometimes things are so simple if you understand the local rules. If the salaries were better I'd be back there. Friendly and well intergrated because everybody understood the way it works. Go with the flow and no axe to grind.
KISS!
P.S.
A second thought: Why is it that all my CRM courses, and Flight Safety courses, in 9 airlines, have been given by only cabin staff with no flight deck input? Could that be a root cause of this attitude, and does it stem from a lack of interest in Flight Ops managment? ('nother topic?)