North Carolina 4-H Youth Development Agents' Perceptions of Organizational Effectiveness in the Utilization of Volunteers, Particularly Episodic Volunteers
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Date
2003-04-14
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Abstract
The purpose of this exploratory, descriptive-correlational study was to investigate North Carolina 4-H Youth Development agents' perceptions of the organization's effectiveness in involving episodic volunteers in 4-H Youth Development programs.
The study's independent variables were selected personal, professional and programmatic variables. The study's dependent variables were the four Action Principles derived from the Points of Light Foundation's Changing the Paradigm Report (Allen, 1992) as traits of highly effective volunteer organizations and Macduff's (1991) indicators of organizational readiness for episodic volunteers. The Action Principles are: (1) Lay the foundation through mission and vision; (2) Combine inspiring leadership with effective management; (3) Build understanding and collaboration; and (4) Learn, grow and change.
Data were collected utilizing a mailed, researcher-designed questionnaire. Section I collected data investigating respondents' perceptions of value and personal operational levels for the four Action Principles and readiness for episodic volunteers. Section II collected data regarding respondents' levels of agreement with the identified constructs. Sections III and IV collected respondents' programmatic, personal, and professional data.
The researcher analyzed data utilizing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10.0. Descriptive and correlational statistics were calculated to satisfy study objectives. Davis (1971) conventions were utilized to describe measures of association.
Study findings indicated no strong relationships between the selected personal and programmatic characteristics of North Carolina 4-H Youth Development agents, the four Action Principles, and readiness for episodic volunteers. Moderate positive relationships were identified between participation in volunteer management training and academic major, between personal participation as an episodic volunteer and the four Action Principles, and between personal participation as an episodic volunteer and readiness for involvement of episodic volunteers. Strong positive relationships were revealed between the four Action Principles and readiness for episodic volunteers.
The study revealed that while North Carolina 4-H Youth Development agents value the involvement of volunteers and acknowledge the important contributions they make in 4-H, organizational changes are needed to strengthen opportunities for episodic volunteers.
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Keywords
Episodic Volunteers, Volunteer Management, Volunteerism, Volunteer, Short-Term Volunteers
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Degree
EdD
Discipline
Adult and Community College Education
