VOLUNTEER MOTIVES AND SATISFACTION WITH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN COMMUNITY SPORT ORGANIZATIONS Russell Hoye, La Trobe University, Australia,
[email protected] Graham Kuskelly, Griffi th University, Australia Tracy Taylor, University of Technology, Australia Simon Darcy, University of Technology, Australia INTRODUCTION Retention of volunteers has been identified as a significant organizational challenge for community sport organizations. However, we know little about the reasons volunteers stay with an organization or decide to leave, and if these decisions relate to the way volunteers are managed. Previous research efforts focused on volunteer management suggest that identifying effective management practices is an area in need of further investigation, particularly in light of increased pressure of professionalism, managerialism and accountability (Hager & Brudney, 2004; Lewis, 1993; Nichols & King, 1998; Nichols et al. 2003; Russell & Scott, 1997). Current volunteer management frameworks endorsed or developed by governments in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom including the Volunteer Involvement Program, Volunteer Management Program and the Club/Association Management Program (Australian Sports Commission); Volunteer Investment Program (Sport England); and the Running Sport Program (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) promote the use of human resource management (HRM) concepts, which are “modelled on work organisations” (ASC, 2000, p. 10). These frameworks focus on the use of a system of planning, recruitment, selection, orientation, training and recognition practices in the management of volunteers. While these practices are generally accepted by the CSOs within these jurisdictions, there has been very little research into the efficacy of such frameworks in volunteer retention. It is not known if such management practices have unintended consequences for volunteer motivation and retention, particularly by changing the experience from a leisure time activity to a more work like role.