The Volunteer Satisfaction Index

Abstract This study proposes and tests the Volunteer Satisfaction Index (VSI), a multi-faceted measure of job satisfaction specifically applicable to organizations which rely predominantly upon volunteer workers. Working within a framework differentiating paid from unpaid work environments, relevant literature was reviewed in order to develop the VSI. Using intent to remain as the dependent variable, the validity of the VSI was tested using a population of 327 volunteers. Factor analysis yielded four dimensions of volunteer job satisfaction: organizational support, participation efficacy, empowerment, and group integration. Regression results indicated that participation efficacy and group integration were significantly correlated with volunteer satisfaction and are predictors of intent to remain. Reliability and validity of the VSI were supported.

[1]  N. Morrow-Howell,et al.  Elderly Volunteers: Reasons for Initiating and Terminating Service , 1989 .

[2]  Ram A. Cnaan,et al.  Measuring Motivation to Volunteer in Human Services , 1991 .

[3]  W. Usui,et al.  Hospice Staff and Volunteers , 1989 .

[4]  S. Ellis,et al.  By The People: A History of Americans as Volunteers , 1978 .

[5]  Charles L. Hulin,et al.  The measurement of satisfaction in work and retirement: A strategy for the study of attitudes. , 1969 .

[6]  C. Bonjean,et al.  Measuring Self-Expression in Volunteer Organizations: A Theory-Based Questionnaire , 1994 .

[7]  Myria W. Allen.  Communication and organizational commitment: Perceived organizational support as a mediating factor , 1992 .

[8]  M. Snyder,et al.  Sustained helping without obligation: motivation, longevity of service, and perceived attitude change among AIDS volunteers. , 1995, Journal of personality and social psychology.

[9]  Steven Hutchison,et al.  Sources of Perceived Organizational Support: Goal Setting and Feedback1 , 1996 .

[10]  J. Hackman,et al.  Development of the Job Diagnostic Survey , 1975 .

[11]  S. Jayaratne,et al.  Job satisfaction and retention of social workers in public agencies, non-profit agencies, and private practice: the impact of workplace conditions and motivators. , 1994, Administration in social work.

[12]  Lynn E. Miller,et al.  Determinants of Turnover Among Volunteers , 1990 .

[13]  Benjamin Gidron,et al.  Sources of Job Satisfaction Among Service Volunteers , 1983 .

[14]  Charles L. Hulin,et al.  Comparative examination of three approaches to the prediction of turnover. , 1979 .

[15]  Richard M. Steers,et al.  Organizational, work, and personal factors in employee turnover and absenteeism. , 1973 .

[16]  David A. Williamson.  Job Satisfaction in Social Services , 1996 .

[17]  Helmut K. Anheier,et al.  The emerging nonprofit sector : an overview , 1998 .

[18]  B. Gidron.  Predictors of Retention and Turnover Among Service Volunteer Workers , 1985 .

[19]  Paul E. Spector.  Job satisfaction: application, assessment, cause, and consequences , 1997 .

[20]  Graham Cuskelly,et al.  THE INFLUENCE OF COMMITTEE FUNCTIONING ON THE ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT OF VOLUNTEER ADMINISTRATORS IN SPORT , 1995 .

[21]  E. Hackett,et al.  Work and work force characteristics in the nonprofit sector. , 1983, Monthly labor review.

[22]  David Knoke,et al.  Commitment and Detachment in Voluntary Associations , 1981 .

[23]  Toby D. Wall,et al.  The experience of work : a compendium and review of 249 measures and their use , 1983 .

[24]  Thomas D. Taber,et al.  Job Satisfaction Indicators and Their Correlates , 1975 .

[25]  Robert Quinn,et al.  The 1977 quality of employment survey , 1979 .

[26]  B. Black,et al.  Volunteers who work with survivors of rape and battering: Motivations, acceptance, satisfaction length of service, and gender differences , 1995 .

[27]  D Field,et al.  Satisfaction and change: a survey of volunteers in a hospice organisation. , 1993, Social science & medicine.

[28]  L. Porter,et al.  The Measurement of Organizational Commitment. , 1979 .

[29]  Paul E. Spector.  Measurement of human service staff satisfaction: Development of the Job Satisfaction Survey , 1985, American journal of community psychology.

[30]  Myria W. Allen.  Communication concepts related to perceived organizational support , 1995 .

[31]  J. L. Price.  Handbook of Organizational Measurement , 1975 .

[32]  Jone L. Pearce.  Job attitude and motivation differences between volunteers and employees from comparable organizations. , 1983 .

[33]  Brayfield,et al.  an Index of Job Satisfaction. , 1954 .

[34]  Allen I. Kraut,et al.  Predicting turnover of employees from measured job attitudes , 1975 .

[35]  Lyman W. Porter,et al.  Managerial attitudes and performance , 1968 .

[36]  Acsw Ellen S. Stevens Dsw.  Toward Satisfaction and Retention of Senior Volunteers , 1991 .

[37]  David A. Harrison,et al.  Volunteer Motivation and Attendance Decisions: Competitive Theory Testing in Multiple Samples From a Homeless Shelter , 1995 .

[38]  Peter F. Drucker,et al.  Managing the non-profit organization : practices and principles , 1990 .

[39]  S. M. Arnsten.  Intrinsic motivation. , 1990, The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

[40]  J. Schaubroeck,et al.  Beyond the Call of Duty: A Field Study of Extra-Role Behavior in Voluntary Organizations , 1991 .

[41]  A. T. Pappas.  Reengineering Your Nonprofit Organization: A Guide to Strategic Transformation , 1995 .

[42]  Buck Smith,et al.  The complete guide to nonprofit management , 2000 .