Impacts of Work Safety Perception on Work Engagement in Tribal Colleges and Universities

Abstract

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), often in rural and underserved areas, face safety concerns, including arson and a campus shooting. These events may affect employees’ perceived safety, which impacts work engagement, crucial for organizational performance and employee well-being. This study examined the relationship between safety perceptions and work engagement among TCU employees using a cross-sectional survey (September–December 2024). The survey included the Work Safety Scale and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, disseminated to 86 TCU representatives. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that perceived job safety predicted all three work engagement components—absorption, vigor, and dedication—while coworker safety had a more nuanced or negative influence. These findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive safety climate at TCUs and culturally responsive safety initiatives tailored to their unique social and historical context.