Examining the effect of a supportive work environment on volunteer retention: Job embeddedness as a mediator

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between the exogenous variable of a supportive work environment and volunteer retention in NPOs through job embeddedness. Out of a list of 350 nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in Vietnam across 20 sectors, the authors randomly selected 15 NPOs from different fields and invited their volunteers to participate in the survey. A total of 275 questionnaires were distributed, and 222 valid questionnaires were collected, resulting in a response rate of 80.72%. The study’s findings demonstrate the positive impact of a supportive work environment (including perceived support, perceived climate, peer group interaction, and supervisory relationship) on volunteer retention within nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the results of the mediation test reveal that job embeddedness partially mediates the relationship between a supportive work environment and volunteer retention. This research offers policy implications for NPOs, encouraging the development of a supportive work environment that fosters respect, values, and organizational objectives, and regularly arranges group activities and online forums to facilitate volunteer connections, acknowledge contributions, stimulate ideas, enhance commitment, improve communication, and involve volunteers in decision-making.