Abstract:
This study used a human resource management (HRM) approach to
examine the efficacy of volunteer management practices in predicting
perceived problems in volunteer retention. Participants were a sample of
375 Australian Rugby Union clubs from across the country. Confirmatory
factor analysis was used to examine the properties of a hypothesised
reflective measurement model with seven volunteer management
constructs (planning, recruitment, screening, orientation, training and
support, performance management, and recognition). The efficacy of
volunteer management practices was tested using regression analysis. The study found significant relationships between perceived retention
problems and several of the volunteer management constructs.Clubs that
reported more extensive use of planning practices and training and support
practices were likely to report significantly fewer perceived problems in the
overall retention of volunteers.Results indicated significant relationships
between management practices and retention problems, with variances
noted by the category of volunteer position, including management
committee or board members, coaches, team managers and volunteers
in other formal positions. Implications for volunteer management and
retention are discussed from a HRM perspective.
