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.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Richard Pascal for his support in data collection and data analysis. The authors would also like to extend their gratitude to Rotary Australia for allowing this study to take place.
Funding
This research and evaluation were funded by Rotary Intentional. The authors report no financial interest or benefit arising from direct application of the research.
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Professor Buchanan makes declaration of role as a past Rotary District Governor.
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Milbourn, B., Black, M.H. & Buchanan, A. Why People Leave Community Service Organizations: A Mixed Methods Study. Voluntas 30, 272–281 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-018-0005-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-018-0005-z