Mechanisms adopted by social enterprises for effective volunteer-based operations
International Journal of Organizational Analysis
ISSN: 1934-8835
Article publication date: 20 December 2021
Issue publication date: 31 October 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe an exploratory study aiming to identify the mechanisms adopted by social enterprises for effective operations based on volunteer work.
Design/methodology/approach
An inductive multiple case study method was used addressing three social enterprises whose operations rely on a volunteer workforce.
Findings
Volunteer-based operations benefit from the establishment of a formal structure, involving different levels of volunteering complemented with other mechanisms, namely, educate and train, empower and connect. Special attention must be given to first-level volunteers, reinforcing the range of practices to motivate and engage them, as they serve as intermediaries between the paid employees and lower-level volunteers.
Practical implications
The study provides valuable insights for managers for the implementation of effective operations, building on volunteer work, aiming at the generation of social and economic value.
Social implications
Due to their innovative character, social enterprises are well-positioned to mobilize more and more qualified volunteers for a significant change in their communities. Adopting a more strategic and structured approach to volunteer management can enable these organizations to take advantage of it.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on social enterprise by identifying a set of mechanisms adopted for effective volunteer-based operations. It also contributes to the literature on volunteer management by addressing an underexplored context.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 613500. It was also financially supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (SFRH/BD/118584/2016), funded by ESF, through “Programa Operacional Capital Humano” and by national funds, through MCTES.
Citation
Ávila, L. and Amorim, M. (2023), "Mechanisms adopted by social enterprises for effective volunteer-based operations", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 31 No. 5, pp. 1917-1934. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-08-2021-2892
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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