Managerial Practices to Reduce Psychosocial Risk Exposure: A Competency‐Based Approach

Abstract

AbstractThis paper aims to identify the behaviours a manager can use to reduce subordinates' exposure to psychosocial risks. Although leadership appears significant in the prediction of employees' mental health, recent studies tend to emphasize the importance of managers' behaviours without identifying them concretely. To create an inventory of specific management behaviours, two qualitative studies, involving 210 workers (in Quebec and in France) were conducted. Semi‐directed interviews were used with managers and subordinates to identify management behaviours associated with psychosocial risks. Results show a taxonomy of 92 behaviours grouped into 24 competencies and eight broad themes. The results define the role for managers in supporting the mental health of their subordinates more concretely. © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.