The Impact of Psychological Safety in Blue-Collar Workforce and Their Team Effectiveness

Abstract/Description

Purpose: This study investigates the role of psychological safety in enhancing team effectiveness among blue-collar employees. Focusing on the manufacturing sector in Pakistan, it examines how a supportive work environment, where employees feel safe to express ideas and take interpersonal risks, fosters collaboration, trust, and overall team performance in their employment life cycle.

Study Design/Methodology: The research employs a quantitative approach. Through the Psychological Safety Survey (PSI) - 2023 and Team Effectiveness (LIL)-2020, 5-Point Likert surveys data were collected from 215 blue-collar workers from various manufacturing units. Statistical analysis, including regression models, was utilised to identify relationships between Psychological Safety and Team Effectiveness.

Findings: The study reveals a significant positive correlation between psychological safety and team effectiveness in the blue-collar life cycle. Teams with high psychological safety demonstrated improved communication, higher productivity, and better problem-solving capabilities. The results also highlight cultural and structural challenges in creating psychologically safe environments within blue-collar workplaces in Pakistan.

Originality/Value: This research addresses a critical gap by focusing on psychological safety within blue-collar workforces in a developing country context. It contributes to the broader literature by providing empirical evidence on the unique dynamics of psychological safety and team performance in labour-intensive industries with workers' employment life cycle.

Practical Implications: The findings emphasise the need for management practices prioritising psychological safety through training, leadership development, and policy interventions. Organisations can enhance team effectiveness by fostering environments where workers feel valued, respected, and confident in their ability to voice concerns or share ideas in the blue-collar workforce.

Social Implications: Improving psychological safety in blue-collar workplaces can improve employee well-being, reduce workplace conflicts, and enhance organisational cohesion. This research underscores the broader societal benefits of equitable and inclusive workplace practices, paving the way for sustainable industrial growth in Pakistan and similar economies.

Keywords

Psychological Safety, Blue- Collar Workforce, Team Effectiveness

Track

Management

Session Number/Theme

Management - Session II

Start Date/Time

13-6-2025 4:10 PM

End Date/Time

13-6-2025 5:30 PM

Location

MCC – 11 AMAN CED Building

Comments

NA

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Jun 13th, 4:10 PM Jun 13th, 5:30 PM

The Impact of Psychological Safety in Blue-Collar Workforce and Their Team Effectiveness

MCC – 11 AMAN CED Building

Purpose: This study investigates the role of psychological safety in enhancing team effectiveness among blue-collar employees. Focusing on the manufacturing sector in Pakistan, it examines how a supportive work environment, where employees feel safe to express ideas and take interpersonal risks, fosters collaboration, trust, and overall team performance in their employment life cycle.

Study Design/Methodology: The research employs a quantitative approach. Through the Psychological Safety Survey (PSI) - 2023 and Team Effectiveness (LIL)-2020, 5-Point Likert surveys data were collected from 215 blue-collar workers from various manufacturing units. Statistical analysis, including regression models, was utilised to identify relationships between Psychological Safety and Team Effectiveness.

Findings: The study reveals a significant positive correlation between psychological safety and team effectiveness in the blue-collar life cycle. Teams with high psychological safety demonstrated improved communication, higher productivity, and better problem-solving capabilities. The results also highlight cultural and structural challenges in creating psychologically safe environments within blue-collar workplaces in Pakistan.

Originality/Value: This research addresses a critical gap by focusing on psychological safety within blue-collar workforces in a developing country context. It contributes to the broader literature by providing empirical evidence on the unique dynamics of psychological safety and team performance in labour-intensive industries with workers' employment life cycle.

Practical Implications: The findings emphasise the need for management practices prioritising psychological safety through training, leadership development, and policy interventions. Organisations can enhance team effectiveness by fostering environments where workers feel valued, respected, and confident in their ability to voice concerns or share ideas in the blue-collar workforce.

Social Implications: Improving psychological safety in blue-collar workplaces can improve employee well-being, reduce workplace conflicts, and enhance organisational cohesion. This research underscores the broader societal benefits of equitable and inclusive workplace practices, paving the way for sustainable industrial growth in Pakistan and similar economies.