A Study on the Determinants of Burnout Among Firefighters Using Decision Tree Analysis

This study empirically analyzed the determinants of job burnout among firefighters using decision tree analysis. Furthermore, to consider the various detailed factors of job burnout, the study examined not only overall job burnout but also its subdivisions, including reduced sense of accomplishment, emotional exhaustion, and loss of self-identity. The decision tree analysis revealed that organizational system factors and organizational fairness factors were the characteristics of the group with the highest level of job burnout. Among organizational system factors, groups with a strong perception of task avoidance showed higher levels of reduced sense of accomplishment, emotional exhaustion, and overall job burnout. Additionally, groups experiencing conflicting instructions from higher authorities or supervisors exhibited higher levels of emotional exhaustion and overall job burnout. Regarding fairness factors, groups that perceived their compensation as inadequate relative to their duties and performance demonstrated higher levels of loss of self-identity and overall job burnout. Based on these findings, the policy implications of this study are as follows: First, there is a need to enhance programs aimed at alleviating job stress for firefighters. Second, an appropriate compensation system should be established based on job performance.