Journal of the Community Development in Asia
Vol 9, No 3 (2026): September 2026

Care or Climate? Decoding Psychological Well-Being Pathways in Malaysia’s F&B Workforce

Jamin Kun Peng Xia (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Louis Yong Yu Lee (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Khai Chie Tang (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Hui Xin Tang (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Ping Hwee Tay (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Kar Wai Tham (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Pratibha Chaurasia (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Kartik Dhaka (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Daisy Mui Hung Kee (Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Sep 2026

Abstract

In Malaysia’s food and beverage industry, employees operate under demanding conditions where sustaining psychological well-being has become increasingly critical. Yet, the mechanisms through which organisational environments foster well-being remain insufficiently understood. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory and Job Demands–Resources Model, we examine how psychosocial safety climate influences psychological well-being through perceived organisational support and work engagement. Our results indicate that psychosocial safety climate significantly enhances perceived organisational support, work engagement, and psychological well-being. In turn, both perceived organisational support and work engagement positively contribute to psychological well-being. These findings highlight that a supportive psychosocial climate operates as a critical organisational resource, activating both relational (support-based) and motivational (engagement-driven) pathways to enhance employee well-being. Practical implications emphasize the importance of cultivating psychologically safe and supportive work environments in labor-intensive service sectors.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JCDA

Publisher

Subject

Humanities

Description

JCDA aims to feature narrative, theoretical, and empirically-based research articles. The journal also accepts articles with data taken from reflections as well as experiences (qualitative research) relevant to community development in Asia. As it explores the community development broadly, the ...