Transformational leadership and flourishing in Portuguese professional firefighters: The moderating role of the frequency of intervention in rural fires

IntroductionThe main objective of this study is to analyze the effect of transformational leadership on firefighters' well-being and understand the moderating role of the frequency of intervention in rural fires in this relationship. MethodsA total of 90 responses of Portuguese professional firefighters were analyzed in two waves (T1 and T2) separated by a period of 3 weeks during which the frequency of intervention in rural fires were also recorded on a daily basis. ResultsThere is a direct and positive effect, albeit small, of the transformational leadership dimensions on flourishing. Moreover, the frequency of intervention in rural fires amplified the effect of individual consideration on this wellbeing indicator, and it was observed that the more frequent the firefighters intervene in rural fires, the stronger the effect of this leadership dimension on their flourishing. DiscussionThese results contribute to the literature to the extent that they highlight the role of transformational leadership in promoting well-being in high-risk professions, thus supporting the assumptions of the Conservation of Resources Theory (COR). Some practical implications are presented, as well as limitations and suggestions for future studies.

Automated summary

This study aims to analyze the impact of transformational leadership on firefighters' well-being and understand how the frequency of intervention in rural fires moderates this relationship. The responses of 90 Portuguese professional firefighters were analyzed in two waves, and the frequency of intervention in rural fires was recorded daily. The results show a positive direct effect of transformational leadership on flourishing, with the frequency of intervention in rural fires amplifying the effect of individual consideration on well-being. These findings contribute to the literature on well-being in high-risk professions and have practical implications for future studies.