Study on the relationship between occupational safety perception and technophobic attitudes among civil aviation employees

This study was conducted to examine the relationships between technophobic attitudes, occupational safety perception, and occupational safety communication among employees in the civil aviation sector. A correlational survey design was adopted. The sample consisted of 166 employees working in various positions within the civil aviation sector. A three-part questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument, including demographic questions, the Technophobic Attitudes Scale, and items from the Occupational Safety Culture Scale. The relationships in the research model were analyzed using PLS-SEM, a variance-based structural equation modeling approach. The measurement model and the structural model were evaluated together, and hypothesis testing was interpreted based on bootstrap results. The findings indicated a negative and statistically significant relationship between technophobic attitudes and occupational safety perception (β = -0.262; t = 3.136; p = 0.002). A negative and statistically significant relationship was also found between technophobic attitudes and occupational safety communication (β = -0.216; t = 2.284; p = 0.022). Accordingly, H1 and H2 were supported. The results were evaluated considering that the sample consisted of a relatively homogeneous group working intensively with technology. This study contributes to the relevant literature by examining technophobic attitudes together with occupational safety perception and occupational safety communication in the civil aviation context.