Date of Conferral

1-27-2026

Date of Award

January 2026

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Mark Gordon

Abstract

This study evaluated the utility of a newly developed employee training initiative within a U.S. government disaster recovery agency. The purpose of the professional administrative study was to examine the existing training architecture and recommend improvements aligned with the agency’s mission. A general qualitative approach was employed, using interviews and surveys with government personnel to elicit their perceptions of the training’s effectiveness. The research aimed to identify key elements to incorporate into a revised employee training program, with the goal of enhancing disaster response readiness and policy implementation. It also sought to recommend strategies for continuous improvement. The study was grounded in Kirkpatrick’s training evaluation model and organizational learning theory. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Key findings included that interruption in skill training provision, scenario-based instruction, and the feedback process were linked to poor employee preparedness and high turnover. A new training ideal was reimagined to combine leadership development, experiential learning, and a continuous feedback loop. Recommendations included workforce resilience, enrichment activities to increase retention, and agency strategic priorities for disaster response operations. The implications for public administration include strengthening institutional capacity while enhancing organizational efficiency through an improved employee training systems that properly align the workforce development with disaster response priorities. Positive social change can be achieved when employees are retained and developed for optimal use of human and financial resources.

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