The Effect of Paternalistic Leadership on Construction Workers' Safety Behaviour in China Cultural Context: The Mediating Role of Safety Climate

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to explore the influence of paternalistic leadership on worker safety behaviors within a Chinese cultural context, addressing the mixed findings in previous research. Paternalistic leadership, characterized by a blend of authority, kindness, and virtue, has been shown to have varied effects on employee outcomes, including safety behaviors. Understanding how these leadership dimensions affect safety behaviors is crucial for improving safety management, especially in industries like construction where safety is a significant concern.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of different dimensions of paternalistic leadership (kindness, virtue, and authority) on worker safety behaviors, considering the mediating role of safety climate. By applying social exchange theory, we aim to clarify the relationship between paternalistic leadership and safety behaviors and understand the mechanisms through which safety climate influences this relationship.

Methods: Data were collected from over 500 employees working in construction firms in Hefei, China, in 2024. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between paternalistic leadership dimensions, safety climate, and worker safety behaviors. The study focuses on examining the mediation effect of safety climate in the relationship between paternalistic leadership and worker safety behaviors.

Results: Our findings demonstrate that both the kindness and virtue dimensions of paternalistic leadership have a positive effect on worker safety behaviors. Furthermore, safety climate plays a mediating role in this relationship, significantly enhancing the explanatory power of the model for understanding safety behaviors. In contrast, the authority dimension of paternalistic leadership did not show a significant effect on safety behaviors in this context.

Conclusions: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of safety management mechanisms in organizations by highlighting the importance of leadership styles and organizational climates. The findings enrich the application of mediation variable theories and provide valuable scientific evidence for policymakers and industry leaders. The study emphasizes the need for fostering positive leadership behaviors, such as kindness and virtue, as well as creating a supportive safety climate to improve worker safety behaviors.