Comparative Study of Working Culture for Safety Improvement between Operators and Users in ASEAN Research Reactors

Previously, the concept of a homogeneous working culture was proposed to explain how similar cultural characteristics among nuclear research reactors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could enhance safety and collaboration. This follow-up study turns that idea into practice through a regional survey of operators and users from seven facilities across Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines using Hofstede's model. The objective of this study is to extend the scope of safety improvement for ASEAN nuclear research reactors through the study of the homogenous cultures between users and operators. The results showed a common pattern across the region with high power distance and strong uncertainty avoidance, which emphasized respect for hierarchy and clear operational procedures as key elements supporting a safety-conscious environment. Differences appeared in individualism and long-term orientation, where users tended to value independent decisionmaking and future-oriented perspectives more than operators. These variations illustrated how cultural traits influence teamwork, communication, and human reliability in daily reactor operations. By integrating these comparative cultural profiles, the study provides the first empirical evidence of shared ASEAN tendencies in safety culture. The findings served as practical guidance for improving operator and user collaboration, reducing human error, and establishing a cohesive and sustainable safety framework for the ASEAN region's nuclear research facilities.

Keywords: Working culture, safety improvement, nuclear research reactors, Hofstede's model.