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Why People Leave Community Service Organizations: A Mixed Methods Study

Why People Leave Community Service Organizations: A Mixed Methods Study Despite the benefits of volunteering to the individual, organization and community, the retention of volunteers within volunteer and not-for-profit organizations remains a significant challenge. Examining the motivations of individuals who have ceased their engagement in a volunteer organization may provide insights to improve retention rates. The perceptions of 64 volunteers formerly involved in an international volunteer organization were examined through community telephone interviews and online surveys. Results show that while volunteers valued their participation in the volunteer organization, their decision to cease engagement in the organization was driven by five major themes: ‘Work overload and burnout,’ ‘Lack of autonomy and voice,’ ‘Alienation and cliques,’ ‘Disconnect between volunteer and organization’ and ‘Lack of faith in leadership.’ Strategies to improve and refine organizational practice and culture may contribute to a strengthened membership and retention. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations Springer Journals

Why People Leave Community Service Organizations: A Mixed Methods Study

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Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 2018 by International Society for Third-Sector Research and The Johns Hopkins University
Subject
Social Sciences; Social Sciences, general; Political Science; Social Policy
ISSN
0957-8765
eISSN
1573-7888
DOI
10.1007/s11266-018-0005-z
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Despite the benefits of volunteering to the individual, organization and community, the retention of volunteers within volunteer and not-for-profit organizations remains a significant challenge. Examining the motivations of individuals who have ceased their engagement in a volunteer organization may provide insights to improve retention rates. The perceptions of 64 volunteers formerly involved in an international volunteer organization were examined through community telephone interviews and online surveys. Results show that while volunteers valued their participation in the volunteer organization, their decision to cease engagement in the organization was driven by five major themes: ‘Work overload and burnout,’ ‘Lack of autonomy and voice,’ ‘Alienation and cliques,’ ‘Disconnect between volunteer and organization’ and ‘Lack of faith in leadership.’ Strategies to improve and refine organizational practice and culture may contribute to a strengthened membership and retention.

Journal

VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations – Springer Journals

Published: Jun 5, 2018

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