Personality traits and organizational influences on safety-awareness

This study examined which personality traits and organizational factors are relevant in predicting safety-awareness behavior among physical workers. Data for this study were obtained from a Hungarian electricity company characterized as a high-risk organization (N = 588). An empirical illustration is provided using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. The results show that five personality traits (compliance, self-discipline, openness, cognitive complexity, cognitive failure) of physical workers have a direct impact on their safety-awareness. Further, the study found two organizational factors (error-handling, positive work environment) that indirectly affect the relationship between physical workers' personality traits and their safety-awareness. The findings demonstrate that all factors have a greater direct than indirect effect and, from all factors, compliance has the greatest indirect effect on safety-awareness. In addition, the third organizational factor studied (perceived safety) has no direct or indirect effect on safety-awareness. The theoretical and practical implications and applicability of these findings are discussed.