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How Trust Affects Hazardous Chemicals Logistics Enterprises’ Sustainable Safety Behavior: The Moderating Role of Government Governance

Author

Listed:
  • Li Hou

    (School of Economics and Management, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo 315211, China
    School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China)

  • Bin Yao

    (School of Economics and Management, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo 315211, China)

  • Yibo Hu

    (School of Economics and Management, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo 315211, China)

  • Keyi Yu

    (School of Economics and Management, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo 315211, China)

  • Kebiao Yuan

    (School of Economics and Management, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo 315211, China)

Abstract

Hazardous chemicals logistics (HCL) management improves safety and operational efficiency; however, the management process faces challenges, including safety hazards. Trust in the government is critical for shaping the sustainable and safe behavior of hazardous chemicals logistics enterprises (HCLEs). However, its interaction with governance mechanisms remains unclear, and a systematic categorization of governmental regulatory methods is lacking. To improve the relationship between HCLEs and the government, this study employs structural equation modeling to examine the effects of trust and governance mechanisms on HCLEs’ sustainable safety behavior. Trust is categorized into cognitive trust and affective trust based on trust and reinforcement theories, whereas government governance is divided into motivational and punitive governance. A conceptual trust–government governance–HCLEs’ behavior model that introduces government governance as a moderating variable is formulated. The results show that trust significantly improved HCLEs’ behavior; motivational governance positively moderated the impact on the relationship between trust and HCLEs’ behavior; and punitive governance failed. These results emphasize the importance of trust-based partnerships between governments and HCLEs, as well as motivational governance, in building compliance and improving safety. Moreover, this study expands our understanding of the interrelationships among trust, government governance, and HCLEs’ sustainable safety behavior in the HCL industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Li Hou & Bin Yao & Yibo Hu & Keyi Yu & Kebiao Yuan, 2025. "How Trust Affects Hazardous Chemicals Logistics Enterprises’ Sustainable Safety Behavior: The Moderating Role of Government Governance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3577-:d:1635775
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    References listed on IDEAS

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