The impact of leadership on workplace safety climate and employees' well-being with particular focus on transformational leadership

Abstract

Objectives. Interest regarding the associated impact of leadership style on employee safety and well-being across organizational settings is on the rise. Transformational leadership forms part of the six leadership constructs with significant research-focused settings. On this premise, this study examines the role played by the transformational leadership style in enhancing a positive safety climate that promotes safety participation and employee well-being in organizations. Method. Data were generated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). A qualitative literature review of 350 published studies between 2013 and 2023 was performed and 31 studies informed the study outcome. Results. Based on the analysis of each article, the study concluded that transformational leadership does have a positive role in the development of a strategic workplace safety climate and enhancement of employees' psychological well-being and productivity. The study also reveals existing research gaps in this context and provides useful suggestions for future research in both academia and industry. Conclusion. Further research that examines other factors that mediate the relationship between leadership behaviour and employee well-being will assist with understanding of the role of transformational leadership and the promotion of job satisfaction and performance.

Keywords: employee performance; psychological empowerment; safety behaviour; safety climate; transformational leadership.