Improving the professionalization level of a new generation of construction workers to reduce their unsafe behaviour: an empirical study in China

Abstract

Objectives. Improvement of the professionalization level for the new generation of construction workers (NGCWs) is critical to upgrade the construction industry. It also provides a new approach to reduce their unsafe behaviour. The purpose of this study is to analyse the correction mechanism of the professionalization level on NGCWs’ unsafe behaviour. We examined the mediating role of work–family conflict and job burnout on impacting NGCWs’ unsafe behaviour. The moderation effect of the NGCWs’ perceived organizational support was also examined. Methods. The cross-sectional study was conducted based on structural equation modelling, confirmatory factor analysis and regression analysis with a sample of 496 NGCWs in China. Results. The professionalization level can effectively correct NGCWs’ unsafe behaviour. Job burnout can independently mediate the relationship between professionalization level and unsafe behaviour and act as a serial mediator for work–family conflict. Moreover, the high level of perceived organizational support will effectively suppress the effect of work–family conflict on job burnout. Conclusions. Improving the professionalization level is an effective way to correct NGCWs’ unsafe behaviour. Moreover, management should help the NGCWs balance work and family, to alleviate burnout. Additionally, it is suggested that management should ensure the NGCWs perceive the organizational support.

Keywords:

• professionalization level
• unsafe behaviour
• job burnout
• work–family conflict
• perceived organizational support

Acknowledgements

In addition to the study funding, the authors are grateful to Dr Miao Miao Niu for improving the language of this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability

Anyone with a valid reason can obtain original data of questionnaires from the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

This study is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [Project No. 72071201]; Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities in China [Project No. 2020ZDPYMS30].