Extending organizational socialization theory: Empirical evidence from volunteer work for refugees in France and Australia

Abstract

How are volunteers who provide assistance to refugees socialized into their organizations? Known as the process through which newcomers evolve from organizational outsiders into insiders, socialization is particularly crucial among volunteers, as they often help vulnerable groups such as refugees. To examine this issue, which is critical to both scholars and practitioners, we draw on a large-scale qualitative study conducted in France and Australia. Based on triangulated data from 42 in-depth interviews, 17 hours of participant observations and document analysis, we shed light on the socialization of volunteers. We identify a three-stage process during which volunteers become insiders: 1) familiarization with the role, 2) bonding with the group and 3) embedding into the organization. Each stage consists of tactics, learning domains, emotions and outcomes that are particularly salient to the volunteer experience. With only slight differences between the two countries, our model extends organizational socialization theory by uncovering a process that allows volunteers to feel confident in their role, integrated into their team and part of a larger purpose. We also contribute to debates on volunteer management by highlighting organizational tactics that fit the volunteer experience.

Perceived Organizational Support and Volunteer Outcomes: Evidence From a German Environmental Nonprofit Organization

“…This is particularly important as organizational vision is a long-lasting and defining characteristic of NPOs, which can promote volunteers’ sense of affiliation with their NPO. Our finding resonates with recent research on person–organization fit showing the importance of volunteers’ understanding and internalization of organizational purpose for positive emotions and organizational belonging (Englert et al, 2020; Traeger et al, 2022).…”

Identification of Aggregates Quarries via Computer Vision Analysis as a Tool for Sustainable Aggregates Management and Land Planning

“…In the context of developing or undeveloped countries, both government agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) can rapidly establish mining records without the need for extensive on-site travel. This approach offers time and cost savings, along with enhanced security advantages in specific regions [56]. Automation in quarry detection allows for almost real-time control of quarry inventories, facilitating the updating of crucial databases for various analyses and related studies.…”

Towards a better understanding of volunteer engagement: self-determined motivations, self-expression needs and co-creation outcomes

“…Some researchers view volunteering as a form of service exchange (Conduit et al ., 2019), often taking place in an organizational context (Penner, 2002) that requires individuals to commit their resources beyond formal obligations (Paço and Agostinho, 2012). While some definitions have emphasized its long-term nature (Penner, 2002), volunteering is becoming more episodic and noncommittal (Traeger et al ., 2022), shifting from regular to occasional, particularly among young adults (Mekonen and Adarkwah, 2022). Worldwide, 970 million individuals volunteer (Diez de Medina, 2017) and constitute a critical resource to NPO (Traeger et al ., 2022) while significantly contributing to the economic, social and cultural welfare of citizens and communities (Mekonen and Adarkwah, 2022).…”

“…While some definitions have emphasized its long-term nature (Penner, 2002), volunteering is becoming more episodic and noncommittal (Traeger et al ., 2022), shifting from regular to occasional, particularly among young adults (Mekonen and Adarkwah, 2022). Worldwide, 970 million individuals volunteer (Diez de Medina, 2017) and constitute a critical resource to NPO (Traeger et al ., 2022) while significantly contributing to the economic, social and cultural welfare of citizens and communities (Mekonen and Adarkwah, 2022).…”

“…Engaged volunteers invest their physical, cognitive and affective energies into their volunteer role (Alfes et al ., 2016) and are more willing to stay and help the NPO beyond the call of duty (Traeger and Alfes, 2019). Yet, volunteers are also a highly volatile non-paid workforce, driven by unique personal values, beliefs and affiliation needs, who can easily lose their interest and motivation (Yoo et al ., 2022) and are likely to leave the organization if they do not see sufficient value in their volunteer efforts (Traeger et al ., 2022). Since NPO heavily rely on volunteers to accomplish their mission, it is crucial to explore key drivers that determine and maintain VE.…”