The Effect of TMT’s Safety Leadership on Safety Performance: Mediating Effect of Safety Management System and Moderating Effect of Institutio

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of leadership in the context of safety. Specifically, we predicted when top management team(TMT) demonstrated safety leadership, it would have a positive influence on the safety performance. Additionally, we predicted that the relationship between the TMT's safety leadership and safety performance would be mediated by the safety management system. Specifically, we anticipated that the TMT's safety leadership would positively affect the safety management system, which in turn would enhance safety performance. Finally, it was expected that the relationship between the TMT's safety leadership and the safety management system would be moderated by institutional pressures. The sample consisted of 119 companies located in Chungbuk. Institutional pressures related to safety were measured from 119 TMT members, while safety management systems and safety performance were assessed by 119 safety managers. Safety leadership was measured through responses from 661 employees. To minimize common method bias, the surveys were conducted with a one-month interval between them. The analysis results revealed that the TMT's safety leadership positively influenced safety performance, and the safety management system partially mediated the relationship between the TMT's safety leadership and safety performance. Additionally, it was found that institutional pressures moderated the relationship between the TMT's safety leadership and the safety management system.