The impact of dual-track system of employment on emergency decision making

Abstract

Dual-track system refers to a system with two tracks of employment recruitment and management systems in public service. To examine how the dual-track system of employment impacts the emergency decision-making of first responders, this study proposes two pathways based on dual process theory. Structural equation model demonstrates when making emergency decisions, the pathway that involves public service motivation is more explanatory in illustrating the causal mechanism than that of perceived organizational support. The study results highlight that public service motivation provides mechanism through which the ‘dual-track’ system of employment influences emergency decision making of front line fire and rescue team members. Theoretical contributions and policy implications for improving emergency decision making are discussed in the paper.