The impact of identity conflicts among Chinese knowledge-based miners on unsafe behavior: A moderated chain mediation model

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the context of smart mine construction, coal mine safety management is imposing stringent requirements on the safety competence of miners. To meet these demands, coal mine enterprises have initiated proactive measures to recruit a new generation of knowledge-based miners who possess high qualifications and specialized backgrounds. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the underlying mechanisms of identity conflict (IC) and its influence on unsafe behavior (USB) among KBMs within the context of China’s smart mining initiatives, as well as to identify the role of potential mediating and moderating variables in this relationship. METHODS: An empirical study was conducted on a sample of 304 KBMs with a college degree or above, selected from multiple coal mines in Shanxi Province, China. Hierarchical regression analysis and the Bootstrap method were employed for data analysis. This model incorporated IC as the antecedent variable and meticulously investigated the mediating effects of role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) and psychosocial resources (PSR), along with the moderating effect of positive explanatory bias (PEB). RESULTS: The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between IC and USB among KBMs. RBSE and PSR were found to mediate the relationship between IC and USB. Moreover, this mediating effect further influenced the relationship between IC and USB through a chain mediating effect. Additionally, PEB strengthened the positive impact of KBMs’ RBSE on PSR. CONCLUSION: These results provide a broader perspective on the antecedent variables associated with KBMs’ USB and provide valuable insights and practical management strategies enhancing the safety management practices within coal mining enterprise.