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Episodic volunteering and retention : An integrated theoretical approach
Hyde, Melissa K. Dunn, Jeff Bax, Caitlin Chambers, Suzanne K.
Hyde, Melissa K.
Dunn, Jeff
Bax, Caitlin
Chambers, Suzanne K.
Abstract
Episodic volunteers (EVs) are vital for non-profit organization activities. However, theory-based research on episodic volunteering is scant and the determinants of episodic volunteering are not well understood. This study integrates the volunteer process model and three-stage model of volunteers’ duration of service to explore determinants of EV retention. A cross-sectional survey of 340 EVs assessed volunteering antecedents, experiences, and retention. Social/enjoyment (β = .17) and benefit (β = −.15) motives, social norm (β = .20), and satisfaction (β = .56) predicted Novice EV (first experience) retention; satisfaction (β = .47) and commitment (β = .38) predicted Transition EV (2-4 years intermittently) retention; and supporting the organization financially (β = .31), social norm (β = .18), satisfaction (β = .41), and commitment (β = .19) predicted Sustained EV (5-6 years consecutively) retention. Integrated theoretical approaches appear efficacious for understanding EV retention. An Episodic Volunteer Engagement and Retention model is proposed for further testing in prospective work.
Keywords
episodic volunteering, volunteer retention, motives, commitment
Date
2016
Type
Journal article
Journal
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly
Book
Volume
45
Issue
1
Page Range
45-63
Article Number
ACU Department
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY-NC 4.0
File Access
Open