Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Research and Reports
1 minute read

The Relationship Between Leadership Behaviors and Volunteer Commitment: The Role of Volunteer Satisfaction

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

This document summarises research on the dynamics of leadership, job satisfaction, and commitment within volunteer organisations. It delves into how leadership styles, organisational culture, and volunteer motivation impact satisfaction and retention. The studies underscore the importance of empowerment, organisational learning, and specific leadership behaviours in enhancing volunteer engagement and commitment.

Benefits for Volunteer Organisations

For volunteer organisations and management practitioners, this document offers valuable insights into fostering a positive environment for volunteers. It highlights:

Leadership that focuses on enabling learning and innovation boosts volunteer satisfaction, which in turn, enhances their commitment to the organisation.

Encouraging a culture of learning and innovation among volunteers not only increases their satisfaction but also their affective commitment, leading to better organisational performance.

Understanding the mediating role of volunteer satisfaction between leadership behaviours and volunteer commitment can help organisations tailor their management practices to retain volunteers effectively.

Application

This document serves as a crucial resource for volunteer organisations aiming to improve volunteer engagement and well-being, ultimately contributing to sustained volunteerism and organisational success.

Benevene Paula , Buonomo Ilaria , West Michael. The Relationship Between Leadership Behaviors and Volunteer Commitment: The Role of Volunteer Satisfaction. Frontiers in Psychology, VOL 11, 2020 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.602466 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.602466, ISSN: 1664-1078

Downloads and sources

More about the authors

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

Resources

Volunteer Conflict Resolution

This guide helps volunteer organisations manage disputes effectively, fostering positive volunteer experiences.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering ACT, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, The Knowledge Base
Resources

Foundations of Volunteer Management: Maintain Work Health and Safety

This unit builds WHS knowledge and skills, covering hazard identification, risk control, policies, and consultation. Aligned with HLTWHS003, it supports safe, compliant workplaces through practical safety strategies and effective communication.
2 minute read
The Knowledge Base, Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, National Volunteer Management Activity Project
MyPass
Tech

MyPass

MyPass is volunteer onboarding and compliance management software centred around a digital Skills Passport, designed to help volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) reduce their risk and cost of operations.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

SEEK Volunteer helps connect people to volunteering opportunities that enrich their communities, lives and careers.
Recruitment
GoodCompany
Tech

GoodCompany

GoodCompany is a Workplace Giving Platform based in Australia and NZ. It's designed to enable companies and their people to come together to donate, volunteer, fundraise, and match donations for the charities closest to their hearts.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
scheduled

Bridge to Volunteering - An introduction to volunteering

This workshop introduces volunteering, including its benefits, rights and responsibilities, and how to get involved. Learn how to find suitable roles and explore opportunities to participate in volunteering in your community.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Board Inductions for Not-for-profits - July 2026

This webinar explores effective board induction processes for not‑for‑profits. Learn how to prepare, onboard and support board members, clarify roles and responsibilities, and implement induction practices that strengthen governance.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
A$49.00
scheduled

Proving the Power: Measuring and Communicating Volunteer Impact

This webinar explores practical ways to measure and communicate volunteer impact. Learn how to identify meaningful indicators, collect relevant data and clearly demonstrate the social, economic and environmental value volunteers create.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free