Evaluation of an assertiveness training based on the social learning theory for occupational health, safety and environment practitioners

Abstract

Assertiveness is a fundamental type of behavior for the creation and maintenance of positive relationships at work and the facilitation of team functioning. Therefore, the promotion of assertiveness contributes to improving work performance, preventing harassment at work, facilitating the adoption of safe behaviors and making critical decisions in terms of occupational health and safety. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of assertive training to train occupational health, safety and environment (OHSE) technicians to facilitate their work as agents of change in the attitudes and behaviors of other workers. Therefore, an assertive training was carried out to increase assertiveness and decrease social anxiety in this type of professional. The training effectiveness was evaluated following a pretest–posttest group design. The results from both a pilot study in a sample of 328 undergraduate students and a study in a sample of 155 OHSE technicians indicated that the training was effective in achieving both objectives. Moreover, Cohen’s d statistics suggest that the effect size was intermediate. These results are discussed with respect to their role in contributing to occupational health safety and environment practices as well as to the organizations’ sustainability.