title: Do management practices support or constrain safe driving behaviour? A multi-level investigation in a sample of occupational drivers.
abstract: It has been estimated that one-third of all work-related deaths occur while driving for work-related purposes. Despite this, many organisations are unaware of the practices, beyond those that identify and control the impact of unforeseen events (i.e., risk management), that predispose drivers to risk. This study addresses the issue by identifying the management practices operationalised as, High Performance Workplace Systems (HPWS) that influence safe driver behaviour. The study also explores the value given to safety by senior level management as a moderator of the relationship between HPWS practices and driver behaviour. Each factor was tested within a two level hierarchical model consisting of 911 drivers, nested within 161 supervisors and 83 organisations. The findings highight that under conditions of high investment in job and work design, communication and selection practices, drivers reported poorer driving behaviour. An interaction effect also demonstrated that under conditions of high investment in remuneration, drivers reported safer behaviour, but only when they perceived that managers valued and prioritised safety. The findings challenge current thinking in the management of workplace road safety.
authors.affiliation: Monash University Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Australia. Electronic address: sharon.newnam@monash.edu.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Newnam
authors.affiliation: Monash University Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Australia.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Warmerdam
authors.affiliation: Monash University Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Australia.
authors.forename: Dianne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sheppard
authors.affiliation: Centre for Safety, The University of Western Australia Business School, Australia.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.affiliation: Urban Transport and Public Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stevenson
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D015279:Organizational Culture; D060926:Remuneration; D012449:Safety; D017751:Safety Management; D014937:Work; D017132:Workplace
keywords: High performance workplace systems; Safe driving; Safety climate; Work-related driving