Workers' relational identification with supervisors influences safety behaviour in construction projects

Hassan Ashraf, Alishbah Ali, Riza Yosia Sunindijo, Ahsen Maqsoom, Shoeb Ahmed Memon, Muhammad Usman Hassan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose:
This research aims to examine the influence of workers' identification with their supervisors on safety behaviour in construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach:
Employing the job demands–resources theory, this research tested the relationships among relational identification as a personal resource, respectful engagement as a job resource, employee safety voice as a positive work behaviour and safety behaviour as the outcome. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse 120 quantitative data collected using a questionnaire survey.

Findings:
Relational identification, which reflects workers' identification with their supervisors, is a significant predictor of safety behaviour. Furthermore, respectful engagement and employee safety voice sequentially mediate the relationship between relational identification and safety behaviour.

Research limitations/implications:
The internalisation of safety norms, values and practices in construction projects is contingent on the identification of workers with their supervisors.

Originality/value:
Safety behaviour of workers is a significant predictor of safety performance in construction projects. Research on numerous antecedents of safety behaviour points out that leadership is a significant predictor of construction workers' safe behaviour. Contributing to research on construction safety leadership, this research found that leader-subordinate relationship is key to make construction workers more psychologically ready to internalise the importance of safety behaviours at work.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5030-5051
Number of pages22
JournalEngineering, Construction and Architectural Management
Volume30
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Nov 2023
Externally publishedYes

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