Abstract

Does psychological safety exist in Hispanic agricultural hand labor harvest crews? The purpose of the study was to ascertain the existence of the four stages of psychological safety in three agricultural hand labor harvest crews in California and to determine if those crews exhibiting the highest mean of psychological safety are the most productive in terms of pounds per person per hour packed. A protocol consisting of 17 statements was verbally administered in Spanish to the participating crews harvesting the same crop and working for the same Farm Labor Contractor. Analysis utilizing a 5-point Likert scale determined which crew exhibited the highest level of psychological safety. This was compared with harvest data to determine if the crew with the highest level of psychological safety was the most productive in terms of pounds packed per person. The practical application of this data allows agricultural employers to begin to study how psychological safety training and adoption can improve productivity and efficiencies to lower labor costs.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Agricultural laborers; Agricultural productivity; Agriculture—Safety measures

Date of Award

2023

School Affiliation

Graziadio Business School

Department/Program

Business

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Masters

Faculty Advisor

Miriam Y. Lacey

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