Rethinking frontline health workers' safety performance in times of pandemic: the role of spiritual leadership

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2024 Jun;30(2):506-517. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2024.2322324. Epub 2024 Mar 20.

Abstract

This study examined the impact of spiritual leadership style on frontline health workers' safety performance through the mediating role of safety climate. Also, leader-member exchange (LMX) was examined as a moderator of the safety climate and safety performance relationship. Survey data from 582 frontline health workers in Ghana's Greater Accra and Ashanti regions were analyzed using AMOS version 23. Findings showed that spiritual leadership dimensions significantly influenced health workers' safety performance. Altruistic love and vision also significantly influenced safety climate. However, hope did not influenced safety climate. Moreover, safety climate had an impact onsafety performance dimensions. Furthermore, safety climate mediated the relationship between altruistic love, vision, and safety performance. However, safety climate did not mediate the relationship between hope and safety performance. Lastly, LMX moderated the positive effect of safety climate on safety compliance but not on safety participation. This study offers valuable insights for improving frontline health workers' safety performance during pandemics.

Keywords: leader–member exchange; pandemic; safety climate; safety performance; spiritual leadership.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Ghana
  • Health Personnel* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Leadership*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health
  • Organizational Culture
  • Pandemics
  • Safety Management / organization & administration
  • Spirituality*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires