Academy of Strategic Management Journal Volume 18, Issue 6, 2019 1 1939-6104-18-6-465 THE IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS TOWARDS SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE OF THE ROYAL MALAYSIAN AIR FORCE Omar Bin Musa, Unitar International University S. Nadzeer Bin Salehuddin, Royal Malaysian Air Force Zulkipli Bin Che Ani, Royal Malaysian Air Force Muhammad Azrul Bin Mohd Ali, Royal Malaysian Air Force ABSTRACT Safety management systems (SMS) are now being implemented throughout the aviation industry. This research was designed to investigate some of the organizational factors affecting the SMS performance in a military organization, specifically the Royal Malaysian Airforce (RMAF). The factors identified from existing organizational design literature were modeled and tested. The study population consisted of pilots and engineers from different air bases throughout the country. A survey was employed as the means of primary data collection using a cluster sampling techniques combined with secondary data obtained from published reports and statistical data from authorized agencies. The results indicate that Organizational Identity and Organizational Behaviour to have a significant impact on the RMAF Safety Management System performance with Safety Culture playing a significant mediating effect. The research findings will benefit towards improving the safety culture where organizational factors play an important role to the performance of SMS. Continuous improvement in flight safety will lead to a high- performance culture enabling the RMAF to perform its mandate more effectively. Keywords: Safety Management Systems, Organizational Identity, Organizational Behaviour, Safety Culture, Royal Malaysian Air Force. INTRODUCTION Safety Management Systems (SMS) is defined as a systematic approach to managing safety, including structures, responsibilities, policies and procedures of the organization (Flight Safety Foundation, 2005). SMS can be considered as a business approach towards managing safety. It provides a systematic, clear and comprehensive process for organizations to manage safety risks. Like all management systems, the SMS provides for setting goals, facilitates planning and enables performance measurement. When the SMS is entwined into the organization, it becomes part of the culture, while performing their daily routines (RMAF SMS, 2014). Nevertheless, even though RMAF had taken the necessary precaution steps to prevent aviation mishaps, military aircraft accidents and incidents still occurs as before the implementation of RMAF SMS (RMAF Inspectorate Annual Report, 2016). Improving the SMS