New publication: "Populist government support and frontline workers' self-efficacy during crisis "
In the midst of crisis, the support—or lack thereof—from governments can significantly impact frontline workers. A recent study conducted by Gabriela Lotta, Eva Thomann, Michelle Fernandez, Jan Vogler, Arthur Leandro and Marcela Garcia Corrêa sheds light on how populist governments' actions affect frontline workers' self-efficacy during crises.
As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, frontline workers found themselves at the forefront of the battle to contain the virus. In Brazil, where political tensions were high and populist sentiments were prevalent, the actions of the government played a crucial role in shaping the experiences of these essential workers. A recently published paper in Governance, authored by Lotta et al. (2024), delves into the relationship between populist government support and frontline workers' self-efficacy during crises. Through an online survey of Brazilian frontline workers conducted during the early stages of the pandemic, the researchers uncovered significant insights into the impact of government actions on these workers.
The study makes three key contributions to our understanding of crisis management and frontline work. Firstly, it highlights how frontline work evolves during crises, offering valuable insights for both public management theory and practice. Secondly, it reveals the detrimental effects of populist contexts on frontline workers' self-efficacy. Despite managerial support and organizational resources, the lack of political backing from the government proved to be a significant factor in shaping frontline workers' experiences during the pandemic.
This study holds particular importance as it sheds light on a relatively unexplored area of crisis management—how populist governments' actions can affect frontline workers' self-efficacy. At a time when resilience and support are paramount for those on the front lines, understanding the political and institutional factors influencing their experiences is crucial.
In conclusion, this research serves as a wake-up call, urging policymakers and leaders to consider the implications of their actions on frontline workers during crises. By providing empirical evidence of the impact of populist government support—or lack thereof—on frontline workers' self-efficacy, this study paves the way for more informed and supportive crisis management strategies in the future.
Link to article: https://doi.org/10.1111/gove.12851