Developing and Re-Developing Volunteer Roles

Abstract

This study explored the process by which volunteers learned and developed their roles as part of their initial organizational entrance and then re-developed them during ongoing assimilation in response to an organizational change. Based on interviews of 41 zoo docents, this study analyzes the process by which they initially learned and developed their roles as new volunteers through the interaction of the socialization efforts of the organization and their own attempts at individualization. Then the study explores how those role expectations were modified as docents were re-socialized after changes occurred in the zoo and how those changes impacted their attitudes and further role development. The results have theoretical implications and practical applications for individuals working with volunteers.