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Research and Reports
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Paradoxes Within the Management of Volunteers

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Introduction

This document delves into the intricate world of managing volunteers within third-sector organisations, offering a fresh perspective by applying paradox theory. It suggests that the challenges and tensions faced in volunteer management are not just hurdles but integral parts of organisational dynamics.

A New Approach to Volunteer Management

The research introduces a "dramaturgical" approach, inspired by Kenneth Burke's pentad, to better understand the complex interplay between different actors, audiences, and moral frameworks in volunteer organisations. This approach sheds light on the competing demands and expectations, providing a systematic way to navigate through them.

Benefits for Volunteer Organisations

For volunteer organisations and management practitioners, this document is invaluable. It encourages embracing the inherent paradoxes in volunteer management, promoting creativity, resilience, and organisational learning. By adopting this tension-centered perspective, managers can foster a more nuanced understanding of their roles and the dynamics within their organisations, ultimately leading to more effective and adaptive management practices.

Application

This document is a must-read for those looking to deepen their understanding of volunteer management and explore innovative ways to address its inherent challenges.

la Cour, A., Hustinx, L. & Eliasoph, N. Paradoxes Within the Management of Volunteers. Voluntas 34, 442–451 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-023-00578-8

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