Research on the Influence Mechanism of Inclusive Leadership on the Safety Advice Behavior of Generation Z Employees in Airlines

Abstract

To promote safety advice behavior of Generation Z employees in airline and examine how inclusive leadership influences this behavior, this research constructs a dual-mediation model grounded in social exchange, conservation of resources, and role identity theories. Then hypotheses were tested via multilevel regression analysis, by data collected through a survey of 296 Generation Z employees from multiple airlines. Results indicate that inclusive leadership significantly enhances safety advice behavior, mediated by organizational self-esteem and advice role identity. Employee-organizational values matching positively moderates these mediating effects. This research is the first to systematically reveal the mechanism and process through which inclusive leadership influences safety advice behavior, providing important theoretical and practical insights for promoting safety advice behavior among Generation Z employees and enhancing the sustainable safety performance of airlines. It also offers feasible paths and management guidance for optimizing leadership styles and engaging Generation Z employees in safety governance.