Embracing Duality: Exploring the Synergy of Traditional and Religious HRM Practices to Enhance Volunteer Retention in Faith-Based Organizations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Volunteer retention is critical for the sustainable functioning of faith-based organizations (FBOs). This qualitative study examines the interplay of two distinct streams of Human Resource Management (HRM) within FBOs: traditional HRM practices and religious HRM practices. Drawing on data from 33 interviews conducted across four Indonesian FBOs, we explore how the integration of these practices influences volunteer retention. Our findings reveal that FBOs employ traditional HRM practices, including recruitment, task design, training, supervision, rewards systems, and managing diversity, to retain volunteers. Additionally, strategically designed religious HRM practices, encompassing spiritual individual development, spiritual leadership, shaping organizational religious culture, and managing volunteers’ relations, augment volunteer commitment. This research contributes novel insights into the nexus between secular and spiritual dimensions in volunteer retention, offering a holistic framework for FBOs to optimize volunteer management strategies and sustain their impactful missions.