The Dynamics Influencing Volunteer Satisfaction as Well as Intentions to Continue as a Volunteer for Future Sporting Events

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY……………………………………………………………………………4

RESEARCH QUESTION……………………………………………………………………………..5

RESEARCH………………………………………………………………………………………...…5

LIERATURE REVIEW………………………………………………………………………………5

FINDINGS……………………………………………………………………………………………7

DISCUSSION………………………………………………………………………………………..9

CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………………………………....12

REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………………..…...13

Executive summary

Sporting events are progressively dependent on episodic volunteers for the effective delivery of an event. According to Pauline (2011) there is a continuous flow in the organisation of sporting events, along with a plea for volunteers. Pauline (2011) asserts that in order to cater for this demand, event organisers should adopt appropriate recruitment and retention strategies to better understand the points of satisfaction for volunteers and what influences their future intentions to volunteer.

While there exists a plethora of research to understand the enthusiasm of volunteers, examining the antecedents of volunteer satisfaction as well as intent to persist has been narrow (Pauline 2011).

This study explores the dynamics influencing volunteer satisfaction as well as intentions to continue as a volunteer for future sporting events from an elite men’s golf event on the Professional Golf Association (PGA) circuit (Pauline 2011). It is shown in the work of Pauline (2011) that, results specified that overall; volunteers were pleased with their experience and willing to return although were disappointed with the level of communication between the volunteers and organisation. This study also found that stability of service influenced volunteer satisfaction (Pauline 2011).  According to Pauline (2011) these findings have implications to not only increase the theoretical considerations of sport volunteerism, but recognise the factors that sport event organisers need to concern themselves with in relation to; recruitment, management and retention of volunteers for successful operations of events.

Research question (or hypothesis)

What influences a volunteer to return to the same sporting event?

Research (including methodology)

In an effort to develop a thorough understanding of “What influences a volunteer to return to the same sporting event” I examined the satisfaction of volunteers at an elite professional men’s golf event on the Professional Golf Association (PGA) tour. Drawing predominately on research conducted by Pauline (2011) my primary purpose was to explore the antecedents of volunteer satisfaction for both experienced and first time volunteers and the impact of such factors on intent to remain as a volunteer at a sporting event. This article from Pauline (2011) along with several other related articles, were derived from Google Scholar.

Literature review

Previous research in relation to satisfaction of volunteers at different events has provided evidence which suggests that satisfaction is multi-faceted and can be linked to organizational management elements, as well as: motivation, commitment and intrinsic and external benefits (Costa et al. 2006).

Costa et al. (2006) examined volunteers with International Journal of Event the Sunbelt Indy Carnival, an Indy Car race held annually on the Gold Coast, Australia, to classify antecedents of volunteer satisfaction for that event. Through path analysis, Costa et al. (2006) established that beyond just the actual event, training was imperative for satisfaction as it delivered the opportunity for volunteers to share their experiences and opinions. In doing so, this contributed to their sense of community at the event itself, which definitely impacted their level of satisfaction (Costa et al. 2006).

In order to establish a consistent and reliable instrument that recognised volunteer satisfaction as multifaceted, Galindo-Kuhn and Guzley (2001) designed the Volunteer Satisfaction Index (VSI) using previous hypotheses from numerous studies. The tool consisted of 40 items and measured five extents of volunteer satisfaction: group integration, participation efficacy, communication quality work assignment, and organizational support. Reliable with previous literature, the volunteers reported higher than average levels of satisfaction. The findings also produced positive results in regards to supporting the reliability and legitimacy of the VSI.

Boezeman and Ellemers (2007) along with Chacon et al. (2007) and several others have also integrated the multi-dimensional model of the Volunteer Satisfaction Index into their research. Boezeman and Ellemers (2007) findings have suggested that beyond the practicality of the instrument, satisfaction can impact other aspects such as: commitment and intent to remain. Boezeman and Ellemers (2007) found that pride in the organization and respect from the organisation foretells organisational commitment amongst volunteers.

Understanding not only volunteer satisfaction, but also future intention to volunteer is vital because of the volatile nature of volunteerism. It is plausible to make the assumption that if volunteers do not have a satisfying experience they would leave one organization to volunteer at another.

 Downward and Ralston (2006) examined post event volunteering intentions in their research approximately one year after the event and determined that 85% and 68% of those individuals were interested in being involved with another major sports event and another major event in general, while 43% increased their interest in voluntary work in general. Specific to golf event volunteers, MacLean and Hamm (2007) acknowledged eight reasons for individuals intending to remain golf volunteers which were (1) being linked to a professional golf event (2) social influences (3) promoting women’s golf (4) retirement  (5) improving club level golf (6) community promotion (7) a love of the game of golf and (8) availability.