Strengthening Risk Culture through Tone at the Top and Knowledge Sharing: The Mediating Role of Collaborative Working in Local Government

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the influence of Tone at the Top and Knowledge Sharing on Risk Culture, with Collaborative Working serving as a mediating variable within the Inspectorate of Madiun City. Strengthening risk culture is essential for local government internal oversight bodies to ensure organizational integrity and effective risk management. Using a descriptive-quantitative approach, data were collected through a census (total sampling) of 41 civil servants (ASN) at the Inspectorate via a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4 software to evaluate both direct and indirect relationships. The results reveal that Tone at the Top, Knowledge Sharing, and Collaborative Working each have a significant positive direct effect on Risk Culture. Furthermore, Collaborative Working successfully mediates the relationship between Knowledge Sharing and Risk Culture. However, Collaborative Working does not act as a mediator for Tone at the Top, suggesting that leadership commitment influences culture directly rather than through collaborative synergy. These findings emphasize that while leadership sets the ethical foundation, the mobilization of knowledge is the primary driver for collaborative practices that solidify a resilient risk culture in the public sector.