Summary: | <p> This study explores the basic assumptions, beliefs, and occupational values of California Fire Technology Directors as they influence and socialize the next generation of firefighters entering the fire service. Definitions of industry culture, occupational culture, and organizational culture were applied to the fire service as well as the influence that heritage, traditions, values, meaning, and context play in the socialization process. Research methodology included emic and etic data collection techniques that documented the opinions and observations of the study group. Data from the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) along with descriptive data collected during an ethnographic interview provides a window to the world of firefighting. Findings show that the beliefs and core-values of the Fire Technology Directors are influencing the next generation of emergency responders. Their ideas and beliefs opens the conversation on how to best adapt the industry to accommodate the incoming generation who own a different set of values, experiences, and beliefs. </p><p>
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