NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Living up to safety values in health care: the effect of leader behavioral integrity on occupational safety.

Halbesleben JR; Leroy H; Dierynck B; Simons T; Savage GT; McCaughey D; Leon MR

J Occup Health Psychol 2013 Oct; 18(4):395-405

https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034086

20043354

While previous research has identified that leaders' safety expectations and safety actions are important in fostering occupational safety, research has yet to demonstrate the importance of leader alignment between safety expectations and actions for improving occupational safety. We build on safety climate literature and theory on behavioral integrity to better understand the relationship between the leader's behavioral integrity regarding safety and work-related injuries. In a time-lagged study of 658 nurses, we find that behavioral integrity for high safety values is positively associated with greater reporting of fewer and less severe occupational injuries. The effects of behavioral integrity regarding safety can be better understood through the mediating mechanisms of safety compliance and psychological safety toward one's supervisor. We discuss the implications of our findings for future research on safety climate.

Health-care; Safety-practices; Safety-measures; Behavior; Injuries; Nursing; Nurses; Humans; Men; Women; Health-care-personnel; Medical-personnel; Psychology; Safety-programs; Author Keywords: behavioral integrity; psychological safety; safety compliance; occupational safety; safety; climate

Jonathon R. B. Halbesleben, Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration, University of Alabama, Box 870225, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487

JOHPFC

20131001

Journal Article

jhalbesleben@cba.ua.edu

Grant

2014

Grant-Number-K01-OH-008965; M112013

4

1076-8998

Journal of Occupational Health Psychology

AL; PA

University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa