Managerial and leadership implications of the retained duty system in English fire and rescue services: an exploratory study

West, D. and Murphy, P. ORCID: 0000-0001-8459-4448, 2016. Managerial and leadership implications of the retained duty system in English fire and rescue services: an exploratory study. International Journal of Emergency Services, 5 (2), pp. 184-198. ISSN 2047-0894

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Abstract

Purpose: This paper explores the managerial and leadership challenges faced when managing personnel in the retained duty system (RDS) within English Fire and Rescue Services. It examines the key areas of motivation, commitment, culture, relationships, and practical management arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach: This exploratory research, using primary and secondary sources, adopted a deductive approach, incorporating questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and document analysis.

Findings: The research identified issues agreed upon by both employees and managers, and as well as areas of disparity and conflict. It also highlighted matters that appear to be pivotal to the successful management of a retained duty system, and in particular the importance of how roles are deployed, and managed by senior management, as well as how employees perceive them.

Practical Implications: This paper offers recommendations regarding the managerial understanding and appreciation of an RDS as some managers in this research appear to have little or no knowledge of (or indeed a misconception of) key issues in the effective management of the RDS It suggests recommendations for the wider support and engagement of RDS personnel.

Originality/Value: This paper offers a contemporary assessment of the challenges faced when managing RDS personnel. While firefighters and whole-time unionised firefighters in particular, have attracted interest from scholars of Industrial Relations, there has been relatively little academic research from a public management perspective.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	International Journal of Emergency Services
Creators:	West, D. and Murphy, P.
Publisher:	Emerald
Date:	7 November 2016
Volume:	5
Number:	2
ISSN:	2047-0894
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1108/IJES-09-2016-0018 DOI
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	15 Nov 2016 08:55
Last Modified:	25 Jan 2021 16:20
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29126

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