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Promoting volunteer engagement in the heritage sector

Promoting volunteer engagement in the heritage sector PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the processes associated with promoting volunteer engagement adopted by a large UK heritage attraction during a period of significant change. Engaged volunteers were regarded as essential to sustain, and where appropriate, to enhance the customer experience.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was adopted. This involved review of relevant documentation and interviews and focus groups between researchers, managers and volunteers.FindingsWorking from the philosophical stance that information and involvement are strong predecessors to “buy-in”, the managers of the attraction used a series of initiatives that kept volunteers both informed and involved. These initiatives include a values-based induction programme, information and communication, training and development, and creating new narratives.Originality/valueVolunteer engagement influences volunteer commitment to the organisation. This case study offers some insights into initiatives adopted in one heritage organisation to promote volunteer engagement, and thereby provides a basis for other organisations to reflect on their practices in this area. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development Emerald Publishing

Promoting volunteer engagement in the heritage sector

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © Emerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN
2044-1266
DOI
10.1108/JCHMSD-06-2017-0042
Publisher site
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Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the processes associated with promoting volunteer engagement adopted by a large UK heritage attraction during a period of significant change. Engaged volunteers were regarded as essential to sustain, and where appropriate, to enhance the customer experience.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was adopted. This involved review of relevant documentation and interviews and focus groups between researchers, managers and volunteers.FindingsWorking from the philosophical stance that information and involvement are strong predecessors to “buy-in”, the managers of the attraction used a series of initiatives that kept volunteers both informed and involved. These initiatives include a values-based induction programme, information and communication, training and development, and creating new narratives.Originality/valueVolunteer engagement influences volunteer commitment to the organisation. This case study offers some insights into initiatives adopted in one heritage organisation to promote volunteer engagement, and thereby provides a basis for other organisations to reflect on their practices in this area.

Journal

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development – Emerald Publishing

Published: Aug 20, 2018

References

  • Enhancing volunteer engagement to achieve desirable outcomes: what can non-profit employers do?
  • Exploring the validity and predictive power of an extended volunteer functions inventory within the context of episodic skilled volunteering by retirees