- 1 minute read
Volunteering and psychological contract
Introduction
This document delves into the crucial role of managing volunteers within organisations. It introduces the concept of the psychological contract, which represents the unspoken expectations between volunteers and organisations. This concept is key to fostering a positive relationship where both parties' needs are met.
The Importance of Alignment
The text underscores the necessity of aligning volunteers' expectations with the support organisations provide. Recognising and understanding what motivates volunteers, alongside strategic recruitment and the importance of demographic factors, are highlighted as essential for a productive volunteer experience.
Enhancing Volunteer Retention
The document discusses how breaches in the psychological contract can affect volunteers' willingness to continue their efforts and the significance of organisational support in retaining them. It suggests that investing in volunteer management, through careful planning, recruitment, orientation, and tailored recognition, can bolster volunteer retention.
Benefits for Organisations
For volunteer organisations and management practitioners, this document offers valuable insights into improving volunteer engagement and retention. By focusing on the psychological contract and ensuring volunteers' needs and expectations are met, organisations can create a more supportive and effective volunteering environment. This approach not only benefits the volunteers but also enhances the organisation's ability to fulfil its vision and work more efficiently.
Hager, Mark & Renfro, Kathy. (2020). Volunteer Management and the Psychological Contract. 10.4324/9781315181011-22.
Downloads and sources
Contribute to the Gateway
Was this resource useful?
More like this
Background checks
- 1 minute read
- Not-For-Profit Law
- General
Organisation and Management Structures
- 1 minute read
- The Knowledge Base, Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA
- General
Engaging Newly Arrived Migrants
- 1 minute read
- The Knowledge Base, Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, Canterbury City Community Centre - Skills Training and Resource Service, Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)
- Migrants, General

MyPass
VIKTOR Lite

Emergency Support Volunteering website
Foundation Workshop: Understanding Volunteer Management, Challenges and Opportunities
- Volunteering WA
- –
- This workshop is free for VWA members and $30 for Others
Plain and Easy English Language Part 1 (24 July 2025)
- Volunteering Victoria
- –
- Free
Volunteer Recognition
- Volunteering SA&NT
- –
- Free