Triangular Perspective on Working in a Voluntary Organisation: Volunteers, Paid Workforce, and Supervisors’ Perspective

Abstract

Not-for-profit organisations struggle to work with a high percentage of unpaid volunteer workforces. Literature shows that voluntary work not only contributes to national life but also meets the needs within the community; and helps to develop and reinforce cohesion in social networks. With an aging population the need for volunteers will increase. It is imperative that leaders are able to attract and retain volunteer groups through strong leadership practices. This diversity in the workforce of not-for-profit organisations, adds complexity to the traditional diversity of gender, race, religion, and ethnicity. This paper analyses the results of face-to-face interviews with paid supervisors, volunteers and paid employees who all work for the same organisation. This pilot project provides specific insights on working in a national not-for profit organisation from a triangular perspective: volunteers, paid employees, and supervisors. Examining how supervisors, paid employees and volunteers interact with one another will assist not-for-profit organisations to manage diversity of its workforce in a more effective and efficient manner.