Principi, Andrea, Lindley, Robert M., Perek-Bialas, Jolanta and Turek, Konrad. (2012) Volunteering in older age : an organizational perspective. International Journal of Manpower, Vol.33 (No.6). pp. 685-703. ISSN 0143-7720

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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to shed light on organizational perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of engaging older volunteers, and on how they might best capitalize on the availability of older volunteers in different countries and sectors. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws from 74 case studies of voluntary organizations carried out in eight European countries, conducted mainly between spring 2009 and autumn 2010. On-site interviews adopting common guidelines were carried out with organizational representatives. Findings – From the organizational perspectives, some disadvantages of engaging older volunteers are: difficulties matching older volunteers to tasks; problems relating to health and declining capacities; the need for special training efforts. Examples of perceived advantages are: considerable knowledge, skills, experience, reliability and strong commitment of older volunteers. In spite of the very different contexts, objectives and notions of “performance”, cost-benefit assessments of older volunteers do not differ greatly from those generally held by employers about older employees. Countries differ considerably in the recognition of older volunteer potential. Practical implications – Organizational policies and initiatives to capitalize on the availability of older volunteers are examined in the paper. Country and sector-related reflections show how different and changing are the environments for volunteering. Policy makers need to recognise these when implementing active ageing policies. Voluntary organizations should raise their awareness of the need for innovation in volunteer management, especially relating to older people. Originality/value – There has been much research about the experiences of older volunteers and how they benefit from the operations of civil society organizations. The perceptions of the organizations have, however, been neglected and these are explored in this paper.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Institute for Employment Research
Journal or Publication Title:	International Journal of Manpower
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN:	0143-7720
Date:	2012
Volume:	Vol.33
Number:	No.6
Page Range:	pp. 685-703
Identification Number:	10.1108/01437721211261822
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/52172

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