Review of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of OHS Management in Malaysian Construction by Chinese Contractors
Abstract
This research determines how Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management practice was implemented by Chinese contractors in the Malaysian construction industry via cross-cultural adaptation. As Chinese infrastructure projects grow more internationalised, especially with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), localisation of OHS strategies is both a compliance and strategic rule. Thematic analysis of 23 peer-reviewed articles and official reports from Malaysian and Chinese institutions was done using a qualitative secondary data approach. Five major strands emerged: strategic governing alignment, cross-cultural competence, organisational pressure, reluctance in CSR implementation, and digitalisation of OHS systems. Though the Malaysian national framework (OSHMP25 and Construction Industry Transformation Programme, CITP) offers structured OHS expectations, Chinese contractors often face barriers like culture, uneven application, and stakeholder excellence gaps. However, firms investing in intercultural training, stakeholder cooperation, and digitalisation (e.g., Building Information Modelling, BIM) tend to better integrate OHS with local practices. The research concludes localisation of OHS is not just regulatory compliance, but about adopting a safety culture and communication practices, and integrating tech solutions into host country norms. The study offers applicable suggestions to create localised safety approaches, improve communication, harmonise construction audits, and use digital tech for safer, more inclusive international constructions.
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