Affiliation:
1. University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Abstract
Senior management is obligated to prevent work-related injuries, ill health, and the safety of the natural environment, society, and future generations. In other words, one of the most important duties of a leader of an organisation is creating a safety culture, which depends on his/her leadership approach as a major indicator of safety performance. The study thus aimed to assess different leadership approaches to implementing a safety culture in a chemical manufacturing processing organisation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study gathered qualitative data through interviews with 12 participants (managers and subordinates). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that subordinates preferred a transformational leadership approach, whereas managers preferred a transactional leadership approach. Leaders should be aware of the impact of their leadership approach in terms of formulating and implementing safety policies.