Retention of Volunteers

This study focused on the Australian health sector,
examining the factors that influence the intention
of volunteers to leave their employing
organizations. There is a general scarcity of
research concerning volunteer work, and
understanding health sector volunteers is
particularly important due to the significance of
their contribution in Australia. In exploring
volunteer work, this study has utilized a variant of
the Mathieu and Zajac (1990) model of organizational
commitment. In the health sector much of the work
performed by volunteers is very similar to that done
by paid employees. In addition, in the Australian
health sector volunteers and paid employees often
work alongside one another. The study discusses key
findings and presents recommendations for relating
to effective management of volunteers in the health
sector. As a secondary outcome, the study
demonstrates the value of judiciously using models
and measures normally associated with paid
employment in understanding volunteer activity. It
is anticipated that these outcomes will inform
future research within the volunteer sector.

Autorentext

Valerie holds a Doctor of Psychology degree in organizational psychology, and has studied and worked in a number of industries from health to law. Her academic qualifications are in both psychology and business. Valerie's work experience includes work in Australia and South-East Asia. She has a special interest in volunteer work.

Klappentext

This study focused on the Australian health sector, examining the factors that influence the intention of volunteers to leave their employing organizations. There is a general scarcity of research concerning volunteer work, and understanding health sector volunteers is particularly important due to the significance of their contribution in Australia. In exploring volunteer work, this study has utilized a variant of the Mathieu and Zajac (1990) model of organizational commitment. In the health sector much of the work performed by volunteers is very similar to that done by paid employees. In addition, in the Australian health sector volunteers and paid employees often work alongside one another. The study discusses key findings and presents recommendations for relating to effective management of volunteers in the health sector. As a secondary outcome, the study demonstrates the value of judiciously using models and measures normally associated with paid employment in understanding volunteer activity. It is anticipated that these outcomes will inform future research within the volunteer sector.