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The role of engagement in retaining volunteers

Author

Listed:
  • Jose M. Lorente

    (University of Valencia)

  • Inés Küster

    (University of Valencia)

  • Natalia Vila

    (University of Valencia)

Abstract

Under the Theory of Self-Determination, this paper determines the moderating role of volunteers’ engagement in their motivation and retention. A study with 761 volunteers from different types of NGOs and SEM methodology shows that (1) higher levels of psychological need to feel competent are associated with higher intrinsic motivation, and (2) higher volunteer satisfaction leads to higher intention to recommend the NGO to others; more in higher engaged volunteers. This study proposes that NGO managers should allow volunteers to choose the tasks that best meet their needs and even design their volunteer opportunities with motivating and meaningful tasks tailored to their preferences. The paper contributes as follows: (1) although the volunteer’s motivation has been studied, little research has focused on why a person wishes to volunteer and remain a volunteer; (2) the study of engagement applied to the field of volunteering is relative novel; and (3) there is a weakness in the literature related to the measures used to study volunteering motivations and engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Jose M. Lorente & Inés Küster & Natalia Vila, 2024. "The role of engagement in retaining volunteers," International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, Springer;International Association of Public and Non-Profit Marketing, vol. 21(4), pages 1027-1055, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:irpnmk:v:21:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s12208-024-00412-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s12208-024-00412-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Musick, Marc A. & Wilson, John, 2003. "Volunteering and depression: the role of psychological and social resources in different age groups," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 56(2), pages 259-269, January.
    2. Vakil, Anna C., 1997. "Confronting the classification problem: Toward a taxonomy of NGOs," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 25(12), pages 2057-2070, December.
    3. Heetae Cho & Chunxiao Li & Yandan Wu, 2020. "Understanding sport event volunteers’ continuance intention: An environmental psychology approach," Sport Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(4), pages 615-625, October.
    4. Daehwan Kim & Chanmin Park & Hany Kim & Jeeyoon Kim, 2019. "Determinants and Outcomes of Volunteer Satisfaction in Mega Sports Events," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-18, March.
    5. Macey, William H. & Schneider, Benjamin, 2008. "Engaged in Engagement: We Are Delighted We Did It," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 1(1), pages 76-83, March.
    6. Susan van Schie & Arthur Gautier & Anne-Claire Pache & Stefan T. Güntert, 2019. "What Keeps Corporate Volunteers Engaged: Extending the Volunteer Work Design Model with Self-determination Theory Insights," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 160(3), pages 693-712, December.
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