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The management of volunteers – What can human resources do? A review and research agenda

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Abstract

There is an increasing interest from scholars and practitioners in understanding how non-profit organizations can design and implement human resources (HR) practices to enhance desirable volunteer attitudes and behaviors. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of existing studies on the relationship between HR practices and volunteering outcomes. We use the ability-motivation-opportunity model as a guiding framework to systematically integrate current knowledge on this topic. We identify gaps in existing research and offer detailed suggestions on how scholars can further enhance knowledge on how HR practices can lead to beneficial outcomes for both volunteers and non-profit organizations.

Citation

  • Alfes, K., Antunes, B., & Shantz, A. D. (2017). The management of volunteers – What can human resources do? A review and research agenda. The international Journal of Human Resource Management, 28(1), 62–97.
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Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What factors impact volunteer recruitment and retention in nonprofit organizations?

This document summarizes the state of available evidence regarding what factors impact nonprofit organizations’ ability to recruit and retain volunteers. It aims to answer the following questions: What practices can managers implement to improve volunteer recruitment and retention in their organization? What are the gaps in the current research on volunteer recruitment and retention?  

About this study

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Inconclusive or mixed impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

POPULATION: Other

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Inconclusive or mixed impact

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2017

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