Date of Award

Fall 2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Kevin Weaver

Second Advisor

Dr. Janet Deck

Third Advisor

Dr. James Shuls

Abstract

Sudden cardiac events resulting from the physical demands associated with fire suppression among individuals lacking adequate aerobic fitness are known concerns within the firefighting domain. The purpose of this research study was to explore fire service leaders' perceived leadership behaviors that aided in followers' performing workplace aerobic exercise activities (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Following within-case and cross-case analyses of interviewees' data, five leadership themes emerged comprising four behaviors and one influence related to followers' workplace aerobic exercise activities: role model, supportive, cooperative, visionary, and planned exercise regimen. In the present study, thematic findings indicated that fire service leaders' role-modeling exercise and fitness behaviors exemplified the importance of performing workplace aerobic exercise activities among followers. In addition, supportive behaviors focused on interactive exchanges, job-related training, and team-building helped followers perform workplace aerobic exercise activities. Moreover, interviewees portrayed cooperative behaviors towards working out with followers, scaling exercises, and procuring fitness equipment promoted workplace aerobic exercise activities. Furthermore, interviewees described the use of visionary behaviors focused on "thinking outside of the box" and eliciting solutions to barriers limiting followers’ from performing workplace aerobic exercise activities. Equally important, interviewees identified that establishing a prescribed planned workout regimen influenced followers' performance of workplace aerobic exercise activities. Therefore, the present study's findings have practical implications for helping fire service leaders lessen followers' cardiovascular disease-related events within the firefighting domain.

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