It's Not All the Same: Implemented and Perceived HR Practices in the Volunteer Context. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walk, Marlene; Scott, Charity; Littlepage, Laura
• Is Part Of: Review of public personnel administration. Volume 42:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 492
• Page End: 513
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: strategic human resource management -- perceptions -- HR practices -- volunteers -- communication; Civil service -- United States -- Personnel management -- Periodicals; Civil service -- United States -- States -- Personnel management -- Periodicals; 352.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0734371X21994631
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-371X

Abstract

Being strategic and intentional in the management of volunteers is increasingly important to tackle volunteer retention and improve other volunteer outcomes. Drawing on strategic human resource management (SHRM), this inductive study utilizes qualitative data from interviews to explore how volunteers in a large youth organization perceive HR practices of training and recognition. Volunteer accounts are supplemented with focus group data from front-line staff to capture how HR practices are implemented. Findings indicate a disconnect between implemented and perceived HR practices in some, but not all, areas. Inconsistent and unintentional communication was the main driver for negative volunteer perceptions.