Job Role Differences In Psychosocial Risk Perceptions: A Comparative Study of Oil And Gas Industry Personnel

Abstract

The oil and gas industry exposes workers to significant psychosocial hazards, yet comparative analyses of risk perceptions across organizational hierarchies remain limited. This study addresses this gap by investigating differences between managerial and non-managerial personnel in Sarawak's oil and gas sector using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). Data from 278 employees (142 managers, 136 non-managers) across five companies revealed a significant difference in the domain of work demands, with managerial personnel reporting higher levels (M = 51.47 vs. 47.88, d = 0.40, p < .001) than non-managerial workers. No significant differences were found in work organization, interpersonal relations, work-individual interface, work values, or health and well-being. These findings indicated that occupational health strategies should prioritize mitigating work demands for managerial staff, while also addressing psychosocial risks common to all roles in this high-risk industry.