From muddiness to madness: an examination of decent work and mental health in the Ghanaian mining industry
International Journal of Law and Management
ISSN: 1754-243X
Article publication date: 26 April 2023
Issue publication date: 5 June 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Building on the emerging literature on the psychology of working theory, this study aims to examine the impact of decent work on employees’ mental health as well as the association between the dimensions of decent work on employees’ mental health.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative data were collected from 260 employees working in the Ghanaian mining industry.
Findings
Data analysis showed a positive significant relationship between decent work and employee mental health. Furthermore, access to health care, adequate compensation and hours that allow for free time and rest related positively and significantly with employee mental health. However, the relationships between physical and interpersonal safe working conditions, organizational values that complement family and social values and employee mental health were not significant.
Originality/value
The findings extend the emerging literature relative to the influence of decent work on mental health in developing country context, specifically, sub-Saharan Africa where concerns for decent work have become extremely relevant because of the experience of extreme poverty and unemployment that characterize the region.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors did not receive support in cash or kind from a third party in the preparation of this work. Thus, the findings are devoid of any conflict of interest.
Funding: The study received no funding.
Data availability request: The data that support the findings are available from the corresponding author (Justice Mensah) upon request.
Declaration of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest and have no interest in the organizations studied.
Citation
Amponsah-Tawiah, K., Mensah, J., Boakyewaa, R. and Asare, G. (2023), "From muddiness to madness: an examination of decent work and mental health in the Ghanaian mining industry", International Journal of Law and Management, Vol. 65 No. 4, pp. 289-299. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLMA-01-2022-0001
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited