What does Executive-level Workplace Health and Safety Leadership Excellence look like?

Abstract

Organisations are often able to achieve improvements in workplace health and safety (WHS) performance but generally fail to sustain that performance over time. The role of executive-level leadership in addressing this challenge remains insufficiently understood.

This doctoral research, undertaken at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, explores the leadership practices that enable sustained WHS performance excellence. It draws on the perspectives of executives, managers, workers, health and safety professionals, regulators, and industry representatives to build a well-rounded, real-world picture of what effective executive-level WHS leadership involves and what makes health and safety improvements stick.

The anonymous survey is a key part of the study. It takes around 10 minutes to complete, collects no identifiable information, and welcomes participants from all sectors. Findings are intended to give organisations, boards and executive teams practical, evidence-based guidance on the leadership practices and behaviours that support sustained workplace health and safety performance excellence.

To take part please visit: https://vuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cNEAGRMxROMWu5E

Supervisors: Dr Christopher Peace and Professor Joanne Crawford, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington Human Ethics Committee approval reference: 2025/HE040735.