Motivational implications leading to the continued commitment of volunteer firefighters

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between motivation and the continued commitment of volunteer firefighters. Design/methodology/approach -This research using a phenomenological approach compares the lived experiences of 17 firefighters from five volunteer fire companies, seeking common themes leading to their longevity with the fire service. Findings -There are commonalities in the reasons the participants joined and remained active in the fire service despite the many hours of ongoing training and commitment and disruptions to their personal lives.Research limitations/implications -The study focused on firefighters in north central New Jersey and the results might not apply to volunteer firefighters in other regions. The rewards of being a firefighter need to be stressed. The importance of contribution to community early in the firefighter's career and the evolution to the role of teacher, mentor and protector of other members over time are roles new recruits and existing members identify with that are the core to firefighter commitment. Practical implications -The findings identify four themes: commitment and giving back to the community, comradery, altruism, and the relationships with family and friends that initially brought the volunteers to their fire company. The findings suggest the importance of these values and the potential to apply them in retaining firefighters. Social implications -Evidence suggests that there are distinct reasons that individuals are attracted to the fire service and specific fire companies. Evidence also suggests that the role played by family members influences the level of activity of the volunteer firefighter. Originality/value -This factor provides evidence behind the motivations of firefighters of diverse ages and backgrounds leading to their commitment to the fire service and their role as volunteer firefighters.

Understanding volunteer commitment to a project: testing a conceptual model

“…Volunteers are not seeking internal self-actualisation through their behaviour; rather, they are reportedly seeking satisfaction of an external, altruistic nature. Our findings agree with Gazzale (2019) and his work exploring the commitment of firefighters in which he found a very strong alliance between firefighters' values and the outcome of the project. That the project is sufficiently important to be granted its own factor is valuable because whilst we are investigating commitment of volunteers, we have stipulated that the context is the project.…”

“…A volunteer might not feel any identification with the project or with the parent organisation but might feel identification with the intended project goal. Gazzale (2019) explored the motivation of firefighters and writes "knowing that, when an event is over, everyone goes home safe is part of their lived commitment to themselves and each other. .…”

“…Whilst Gazzale's (2019) and Hoegl et al's (2004) evidence is strong, there are two concerns with the simplistic notion that a person can be committed to a project. Firstly, commitment is not a stable emotion; it may rise and fall.…”

Recruitment, retention and resignation among Non-Career Firefighters

“…Several studies in the review show that motivations for becoming a noncareer firefighter revolve around the desire to help others. Further, this motivation can come Recruitment, retention and resignation from a sense of altruism, self-worth and the satisfaction that comes from fulfilling an obligation to the community, ranging from personal responsibilities to cultural pressure (Gazzale, 2019;Francis and Jones, 2012;Carpenter and Myers, 2010;Haddad, 2004;Yarnal and Dowler, 2002). Even if the primary motivation often is to help other people, some individuals are also driven by career motivations, pride or sensation seeking (West and Murphy, 2016;Perrott and Blenkarn, 2015;Francis and Jones, 2012;Carpenter and Myers, 2010).…”

“…3.2.1 Individual. Studies show that non-career firefighters whose values are based upon public service and who believe in the importance of their service are more likely to be satisfied; this also provides reasons to stay committed to the fire service (Gazzale, 2019;Henderson and Sowa, 2019). Firefighters with high levels of public service motivation perform more than is required and employees with altruistic beliefs also spend more time performing this extra work.…”