Volunteer Motivation and Loyalty: A Case Study of Volunteers at FareStart; Seattle, WA
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Authors
Green, Meghan
Issue Date
2006
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This senior thesis examines the success of volunteer retention at a small, nonprofit
organization, FareS tart, in Seattle, W A. In studying a sample of loyal volunteers as well
as transient volunteers, this study uncovers volunteers' motivations; volunteer organization dynamics; why volunteers keep coming back; and how they feel their
experience could be better. This is a case study of loyal volunteer experiences that
incorporates qualitative data and comparisons to existing research. Data was collected
through surveys, informal and formal interviews, and extensive research on the literature
about .volunteers and their motivations. It was discovered that the motivations of these
volunteers did follow those of the existing research: self-interests, social opportunity,
altruism and sympathy, and satisfaction and efficacy. However, a new motivation
emerged from this case study: that of guilt and feelings that the organization is dependent on their service. This led to the conclusion that to be successful in keeping and maintaining an active and large volunteer pool, nonprofit organizations should employ business best practices used for employee retention.
Description
viii, 108 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College.
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.