Abstract
In early 2020 the US Forest Service (USFS) recognized the need to gather real-time information from its wildland fire management personnel about their challenges and adaptations during the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. The USFS conducted 194 virtual focus groups to address these concerns, over 32 weeks from March 2020 to October 2020. This management effort provided an opportunity for an innovative practice-based research study. Here, we outline a novel methodological approach (weekly, iterative focus groups, with two-way communication between USFS staff and leadership), which culminated in a model for focus group coordination during extended crises. We also document the substantive challenges USFS wildfire employees discussed, including: conflicting policies and procedures; poor communication; ill-defined decision space; barriers to multi-jurisdictional resources; negative impacts on work-life balance; and disruption of pre-season training. USFS focus groups were effective for knowledge sharing among employees and elevating issues to top levels of the USFS management structure.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 957-975 |
Journal | Society and Natural Resources |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 6 |
Early online date | 13 Apr 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Keywords
- COVID-19
- organizational communication
- organizational learning
- qualitative methods
- sensemaking
- US Forest service
- wildland fire management