Title
The core values that support health, safety, and well-being at work
Author
Zwetsloot, G.I.J.M.
van Scheppingen, A.R.
Bos, E.H.
Dijkman, A.
Starren, A.
Publication year
2013
Abstract
Health, safety, and well-being (HSW) at work represent important values in themselves. It seems, however, that other values can contribute to HSW. This is to some extent reflected in the scientific literature in the attention paid to values like trust or justice. However, an overview of what values are important for HSW was not available. Our central research question was: what organizational values are supportive of health, safety, and well-being at work? Methods: The literature was explored via the snowball approach to identify values and value-laden factors that support HSW. Twenty-nine factors were identified as relevant, including synonyms. In the next step, these were clustered around seven core values. Finally, these core values were structured into three main clusters. Results: The first value cluster is characterized by a positive attitude toward people and their “being”; it comprises the core values of interconnectedness, participation, and trust. The second value cluster is relevant for the organizational and individual “doing”, for actions planned or undertaken, and comprises justice and responsibility. The third value cluster is relevant for “becoming” and is characterized by the alignment of personal and organizational development; it comprises the values of growth and resilience. Conclusion: The three clusters of core values identified can be regarded as “basic value assumptions” that underlie both organizational culture and prevention culture. The core values identified form a natural and perhaps necessary aspect of a prevention culture, complementary to the focus on rational and informed behavior when dealing with HSW risks.
Subject
Organisation
SHB - Safe & Healthy Business
BSS - Behavioural and Societal Sciences
Work and Employment
Workplace
Healthy Living
Occupational health
Occupational safety
Organizational culture
Social responsibility
Social values
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:5fc5b366-6b0b-431f-a77c-76353e7bf0e6
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2013.10.001
TNO identifier
484988
Source
Safety and Health at Work, 4 (4), 187-196
Document type
article