Safety Culture and Incident Reporting in Developing Countries: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the interaction between safety culture and incident reporting practices in developing countries, highlighting the significant influence of cultural, socio-economic, and systemic factors on reporting behaviors. This research employs both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to investigate how dimensions of organizational safety culture, including management commitment and communication, impact incident reporting statistics. Organizations that maintain a strong safety culture achieve significantly higher reporting rates, underscoring the crucial role of leadership engagement, open communication, and ongoing learning in safety practices. The research identified fear of reprisal, insufficient resources, and hierarchical workplace structures as principal obstacles. The research reveals that interventions must be customized to develop safety cultures that enable transparent reporting and better safety results. Leadership-driven initiatives combined with enhanced training programs and robust reporting systems provide an effective strategy for building a culture of safety in developing contexts.