Subjectivity Study on Ethical Leadership for Fire Officials in Disaster Response Situations: Focusing on 119 Safety Experience Center at “A” Fire and Disaster Headquarters

This study explored firefighters’ subjective perceptions of ethical leadership in disaster situations. The study used the Q methodology to conduct a face-to-face survey with 14 firefighters at the 119 Safety Experience Center at “A” Fire and Disaster Headquarters. The results indicate that the respondents’ perceptions of ethical leadership in disaster response situations can be divided into three types, each with distinct characteristics: the first is inclusive and ethical, prioritizing one’s own judgment; the second is oriented toward trust, cooperation, and a pragmatic approach; and the third is oriented toward responsibility, respect, and a cautious approach. This study’s findings can be used to customize leadership training for each of the three ethical leadership types and enable an appropriate allocation of roles within fire organizations during disaster response. This will help firefighters improve their communication in disaster response situations and will enhance manpower management.