Impact of Heroism Culture on Occupational Accidents in SMEs of Lahore: Mediating Role of Safety Compliance Behavior

Abstract

Occupational accidents remain a significant concern in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly where informal workplace norms encourage risk-taking and prioritize productivity over safety. This qualitative study examined the impact of heroism culture on occupational accidents in SMEs of Lahore, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of safety compliance behavior. The study employed a qualitative research design and purposive sampling to select 20 SMEs, including 10 small and 10 medium-sized industries. Data were collected through 15 focus group discussions with workers, 05 in-depth interviews with safety officers, and 05 in-depth interviews with managers. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and relationships emerging from participants' experiences and perceptions. The findings indicate that heroism culture is reflected in workplace expectations emphasizing toughness, courage, self-reliance, risk acceptance, and the ability to complete difficult tasks despite hazardous conditions. Such expectations contribute to the normalization of workplace risks and may encourage employees to bypass safety procedures, use safety shortcuts, avoid protective measures, and underreport minor injuries and unsafe incidents. Safety compliance behavior emerged as a key mechanism linking heroism culture with occupational accidents. Productivity pressure, peer influence, and managerial recognition of risk-taking further reinforced unsafe practices. The study concludes that occupational accidents in SMEs are shaped not only by physical hazards but also by cultural and behavioral factors. Strengthening safety compliance, promoting hazard reporting, and redefining workplace courage as adherence to safe practices can contribute to safer SME environments.