Organizational culture and its impact on employees’ safety

Abstract

Workplace safety in the construction industry, particularly in developing countries, remains a critical concern owing to the high rates of accidents and fatalities. This study investigates how organizational culture influences employee safety in the construction industry, focusing on developing economies. The practical significance of this study lies in bridging the knowledge gap regarding how the different dimensions of cultural artifacts, espoused values, and assumptions affect safety outcomes. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 30 contractors from the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG) in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression analysis, examined the relationship between cultural elements and safety performance. The findings revealed that all three dimensions of organizational culture (artifacts, espoused values, and assumptions) contribute significantly to enhanced safety outcomes, with symbols and dress codes emerging as strong predictors of safety practices. However, challenges remain in integrating espoused values into daily operations and adapting cultural assumptions to the evolving conditions. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence that organizational culture is pivotal in promoting safety in high-risk industries. These practical implications suggest that organizations should reinforce cultural symbols and values, foster leadership involvement, and continuously monitor safety practices to create safer work environments. These results are particularly important for developing economies where improving workplace safety can contribute to broader economic development.