Factors influencing the motivation of small enterprises to participate in

Small enterprises have limited resources to prioritise occupational health and safety (OHS) and programmes have been developed to support these enterprises and regulators and other stakeholders struggle to motivate them. In this paper we analyses through arealistic evaluation � analytical approach the factors influencing small enterprises in the construction industry to engage in an OHS programme. A new Danish programme focusing on prevention of the long- term effects of physical strain in the musculoskeletal system is studied. The programme provides financial support as well as guidance from advisors from the Danish Working Environment Authority to implement new OHS approaches. The study uses a mixed-method design, encompassing quantitative and qualitative analyses of data from the participating enterprises. The results of the study show that the introduction to the programme influenced the motivation of the enterprises to engage in the programme. There was a high motivation to participate when the enterprises did so voluntarily and comparable a low motivation where participation was considered compulsory. The guidance and the economic incentive also influenced the motivation and to ensure that the programme leads to a process of sensemaking that will make the enterprises change behaviour. Few enterprises would apply without this support. However when motivation was externally forced, the process of sensemaking was hard to reach. The sensemaking process depended to a great extent on the acknowledgement of the need of the new OHS instrument or aid as well as on three contextual factors; relevant projects and instrument/aid; characteristics of the manager; and the workplace culture. The acknowledgement of the need of the programme increases the possibility of the enterprises will put the programme into action. The contextual factors of the enterprise, the industry and the society might set limits on the efficacy of programme mechanisms and should be taken into account.