Degree Name
MS in Management
First Advisor
Annie Viets
Abstract
This study explores the effectiveness of the planning and implementation of a small-scale volunteer program at Volunteer NH. The overall impact of the program is also investigated. Research included the author’s observations, surveys of past and present volunteers, surveys of staff, and a follow-up discussion with staff. The organization was chosen as an in depth case study analysis due to the author’s association with Volunteer NH. Major findings were that the program had a positive impact and was a success given the limitations involved in the planning and implementation. Among points of interest was the lack of staff involvement in the planning process, as well as the absence of specific goals, objectives and benchmarks for the program. Regarding implementation, specific steps such as job design, recruitment and training were found to be functioning but needing some improvement to be most effective. Recognition and Evaluation were minimally present and required more structure. The program was found to have had a positive impact, contributing to the fulfillment of the organization’s mission as well as shifting attitudes and organizational culture in a more collaborative and inclusive direction. Though the results are specific to the context of Volunteer NH, the analysis can be helpful in looking at effective processes for design and implementation of other small-scale programs. It also highlights some of the challenges encountered by a fairly typical small non-profit.
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Organizational Behavior and Theory
Recommended Citation
Swedlow, Kara, "Do I have any volunteers? An assessment of the implementation of a small-scale volunteer program at Volunteer NH" (2010). Capstone Collection. 1410.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/1410