Influence of leadership style on employee safety behaviour among military gunners

Gunners in the military play a crucial role in operating artillery systems and safeguarding their units. Air Defence Artillery gunners train extensively to master equipment like the Oerlikon 35mm and Starstreak missiles, engage aerial threats suchas drones and missiles, and coordinate with military units for optimal protection. Their training involves simulations, live-fire exercises, and physical fitness, but it carries safety risks like noise-induced hearing damage, lead exposure, blast overpressure effects, and environmental hazards. These risks are mitigated through safety protocols, protective gear, and effective communication. This study examined the impact of leadership style on safety behaviour in the Malacca Camp, employing surveys and statistical analyses. It revealed strong safety engagement among personnel, with transactional and transformational leadership styles positively influencing safety behaviour, while authoritarian and laissez-faire leadership had minimal impact. Democratic leadership showed no significant link to safety behaviour. Regression analysis identified transactional leadership as the most influential (β = 0.468, p < 0.001), while age-based differences highlighted greater compliance among younger personnel (19–25 years old) compared to older groups (26–41 years). No notable variations were observed across ranks, indicating uniform safety practices within hierarchical levels. These findings underscore leadership's pivotal role in shaping safety culture and advocate for targeted age-specific safety strategies to enhance military standards