Corporate social responsibility perceptions and sustainable safety behaviors among frontline employees: The mediating roles of organization-based self-esteem and work engagement

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable safety behaviors among frontline employees. Drawing on social identity and social exchange theories, this study hypothesized that frontline employees' organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) and work engagement mediate the relationship between CSR perceptions and sustainable safety behaviors. Using data collected from 222 flight attendants in South Korea, structural equation modeling was conducted to test the research hypotheses. The results showed that CSR perceptions were positively related to extra-role safety behaviors. Further, OBSE mediated the positive relationship between CSR perceptions and extra-role safety behaviors, and work engagement mediated the positive relationship between CSR perceptions and in-role safety behaviors. The theoretical and managerial implications as well as the study limitations are articulated. Additionally, future research directions for promoting sustainable safety practices in high-contact service settings are suggested.