Project manager's role in safety performance of Saudi construction firms: A correlational study

Leaders in developed countries have been able to reduce accident rates at building construction sites because of intensive commitment to implementing safety regulations and improving health and safety processes. Such commitment is lacking in developing countries and construction accident rates are a continuing problem. Injuries and fatalities in the construction industry are higher in Saudi Arabia than the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was reflected in the primary research question, which was what is the relationship between the project manager’s possession of the PMP certification and the level of the safety culture present in the construction project the PM manages. In the purposive sample, 109 engineers and first-line supervisors worked in 23 construction projects of which 10 were led by PMP-certified PMs and 13 were led by PMs lacking PMP certification. Each PM completed a demographic questionnaire for the predictor variables of PMP certification controlled for age and experience. For the criterion variable of safety culture total score, engineers and first-line supervisors working in the same project completed the Questionnaire of Safety Culture Values and Practices. Multiple regression and multiple correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship existed between PMP certification and total safety culture survey score after controlling manager’s age, total years of experience, and years as a PMP manager. A leader’s decision to promote an engineer to PM should be conditional upon ensuring the candidate engineer possesses an MBA, PMP, or equivalent certification.