Behavioral Approach to Security Risk Management: Empirical Research Results

Purpose: In the context of the growing interest in integrating psychological and social dimensions of risk management, the aim of this article is to analyze the correlation between behavioral factors and the acceptance of the ISO 31000:2018 standard. Design/Methodology: The theoretical framework is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), taking into account the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on employees’ safety-oriented behavior. The empirical research was conducted on a sample of 125 respondents, examining external factors (pressure of superiors, work environment) and internal factors (security awareness, perceived effectiveness, and risk exposure) in relation to the acceptance of the standard. Findings: The results indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between the influence of the work environment and the acceptance of the standard, whereas pressure of superiors demonstrated a negative correlation, suggesting employees’ resistance to an authoritarian approach. The findings further confirm the importance of security culture and a positive organizational climate in promoting compliance with security standards. Practical implications: The obtained results provide an empirical basis for redefining organizational risk management strategies through the integration of behavioral insights into institutional frameworks, with the aim of enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of security management systems. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the role of behavioral factors in the process of adopting the ISO 31000:2018 standard, emphasizing the need to incorporate behavioral aspects into the development of organizational security culture and contemporary security risk management practices.