The Role of the Psychological Contract in Managing Research Volunteer Tourism

Abstract

Volunteer motivations and the psychological contract are outlined, demonstrating a reciprocal relationship needing more complex marketing approaches. Limitations of relationship marketing resulting from short project times are identified. Maguire's three-tier model is used to develop a theoretical model of the Research Volunteer psychological contract. Qualitative case data is used to illustrate transactional, career, and relational relationships. The article maps relationship marketing and the psychological contract model together, arguing that using both constructs enables more effective management of such a tourism niche.

The Psychological Contract of Volunteer Youth Sport Coaches

“…Only relatively recently has research begun to examine the nature and impact of the psychological contract of volunteers (Blackman & Benson, 2010;Farmer & Fedor, 1999;Liao-Troth, 2001Smith, 2004;Starnes, 2007;Stirling, Kilpatrick & Orpin, 2011;Vantilborgh et al, 2012). A few of these scholars rejected the employee-based approach and explored elements of the psychological contract in various volunteer settings (Blackman & Benson, 2010;Smith, 2004;Vantilborgh et al, 2012).…”

“…A few of these scholars rejected the employee-based approach and explored elements of the psychological contract in various volunteer settings (Blackman & Benson, 2010;Smith, 2004;Vantilborgh et al, 2012). Together, their work has identified elements not considered in the paid work setting, such as autonomy, two-way communication, credibility, and social relationships as particularly salient expectations that volunteers have of their organization, and contribution to the organization's mission, dedication of extra hours, and taking initiative as expectations volunteers have of themselves.…”

Volunteer Tourism and Intercultural Sensitivity: The Role of Interaction with Host Communities

“…The topics addressed include the types and roles of volunteer tourism organizations (Benson & Henderson, 2011), the role of facilitating staff (Coghlan, 2008), and the importance of psychological contract in managing volunteer tourism (Blackman & Benson, 2010). More recently, scholars have begun exploring the role of these organizations in commodification (Cousins, Evans, & Sadler, 2009) and commercionalization of volunteer tourism (Coghlan & Noakes, 2012;Tomazos & Cooper, 2012).…”

Scuba Diving and Marine Conservation: Collaboration at two Australian Subtropical Destinations

“…Once a commitment to volunteer is made, Blackman and Benson (2010) suggest a psychological contract exists between participants and host organizations, which supports a reciprocal mutuality that lies at the heart of the arrangement. In the context of tourism organizations, volunteer motivations reflect both a desire to make a difference and a commitment to personal development and competence building.…”