Exploring the validity and predictive power of an extended volunteer functions inventory within the context of episodic skilled volunteering by retirees

The current study examined the structure of the volunteer functions inventory within a sample of older individuals (N = 187). The career items were replaced with items examining the concept of continuity of work, a potentially more useful and relevant concept for this population. Factor analysis supported a four factor solution, with values, social and continuity emerging as single factors and enhancement and protective items loading together on a single factor. Understanding items did not load highly on any factor. The values and continuity functions were the only dimensions to emerge as predictors of intention to volunteer. This research has important implications for understanding the motivation of older adults to engage in contemporary volunteering settings.

Examining the predictive value of combining the theory of planned behaviour and the volunteer functions inventory

The functions of the volunteer functions inventory were combined with the constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control) to establish whether a stronger, single explanatory model prevailed. Undertaken in the context of episodic, skilled volunteering by individuals who were retired or approaching retirement (N = 186), the research advances on prior studies which either examined the predictive capacity of each model independently or compared their explanatory value. Using hierarchical regression analysis, the functions of the volunteer functions inventory (when controlling for demographic variables) explained an additional 7.0% of variability in individuals’ willingness to volunteer over and above that accounted for by the theory of planned behaviour. Significant predictors in the final model included attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control from the theory of planned behaviour and the understanding function from the volunteer functions inventory. It is proposed that the items comprising the understanding function may represent a deeper psychological construct (e.g., self-actualisation) not accounted for by the theory of planned behaviour. The findings highlight the potential benefit of combining these two prominent models in terms of improving understanding of volunteerism and providing a single parsimonious model for raising rates of this important behaviour.

Testing the psychometric properties of Clary's volunteer motivation scale with online panel members

Academic researchers, industry and policy-makers are increasingly using online panels as a means for data collection for their research. Online panels are frequently constituted by volunteers who can choose to accept offers to participate in research (cf. voluntary opt-in Cooper 2000). This research focuses on the importance volunteering as the primary reason as to why individuals decide to become panel members. In so doing, we tested the psychometric properties of Clary et al. 's (1998) Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) making use of confirmatory factor analyses and ascertained that the dimensions exhibit adequate levels of reliability and validity in an online panel member's milieu.

Modelling the salient factors influencing retired business professionals' participation in episodic skilled volunteering in rural settings

Retired business professionals represent an unexplored source of skill support for struggling rural communities. This research examined the feasibility of drawing on this valuable pool of knowledge and experience by engaging retirees in short term, project based volunteering roles in rural, not for profit agencies. Using the theory of planned behaviour and the functional approach to volunteering, the program of study generated a model comprising the key psychological and contextual factors determining the volunteers' decision to provide skill assistance in rural settings. The model provides a useful resource for creating suitable volunteering opportunities and for informing volunteer recruitment strategies.

Parisuhdetyössä toimivien vapaaehtoisten motivaatio ja sitoutuminen : Tutkimus HNMKY:n parisuhderyhmien ryhmänjohtajista

Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on tarkastella kristillisessä parisuhdetyössä toimivien, HNMKY:n vapaaehtoisten ryhmänjohtajien motivaatiota ja sitoutumista sekä näiden välistä yhteyttä. Tutkimuksessa selvitettiin, keitä HNMKY:n avioliittoleirin vapaaehtoiset ryhmänjohtajat ovat, mitkä ovat heidän motivaatiot ryhmänvetäjinä sekä, mihin he ovat sitoutuneet ja, mikä heitä sitouttaa. Tutkimuksessa tarkasteltiin erityisesti arvoihin ja organisaatioon sitoutumista. Tutkimuksen empiirinen aineisto koostui Paremman avioliiton perheleirien 2007 ja 2008 vapaaehtoisien parisuhderyhmien ryhmänjohtajina toimineilta kerätystä kyselyaineistosta (N=163). Tutkimusote oli kvantitatiivinen. Teoreettinen viitekehys muodostui motiivien osalta Claryn ja kumppaneiden kehittelemästä The Volunteer Functions Inventory -mallista (VFI), joka on kehitetty vapaaehtoisten motiivien mittaamiseen sekä muusta aiemmasta motiivitutkimuksesta. Sitoutumisen osalta teoreettinen viitekehys muodostui vapaaehtoisten sitoutumiseen liittyvästä teoriasta sekä aiemmasta sitoutumisen tutkimuksesta. Parisuhdetyön ryhmänvetäjiltä löydettiin faktorianalyyseilla aiemmasta tutkimuksesta osittain poiketen neljä erilaista motivaatiota: 1) Oman parisuhteen hoito, 2) Auttamisen arvot, 3) Itselle saaminen sekä 4) Toimiminen yhdessä. Merkittävin vapaaehtoisuuteen motivoiva tekijä oli Oman parisuhteen hoito, joka sisälsi oman parisuhteen hoidon lisäksi omien vaikeuksien käsittelyä sekä vertaistukeen liittyviä motivaatioita. Auttamisen arvot sisälsivät toisten auttamisen tärkeyden sekä kristilliset arvot. Itselle saaminen piti sisällä oppimismotiiveja sekä omat vaikeudet motiiveja. Toimiminen yhdessä käsittää itsetuntomotiiveja ja sosiaalisia motiiveja. Näistä Itselle saaminen ja Toimiminen yhdessä liittyivät merkittävästi toisiinsa. Ryhmänvetäjiltä löydettiin faktorianalyyseilla neljä erilaista sitotuttavaa tekijää: 1) Saatu tuki, 2) Osa identiteettiä, 3) Palkitsevuus sekä 4) Onnistuminen auttamisessa. Merkittävin syy vapaaehtoisuuteen sitoutumiseen on Saatu tuki, joka sisältää sekä HNMKY:ltä että myös muilta ryhmänjohtajilta saadun tuen. Osa identiteettiä sisältää sen, että ryhmänjohtamisesta on tullut osa minua, ja että toiminta on vahvistanut itsetuntoa sekä sopii elämäntilanteeseen. Tähän sisältyi myös toisten auttamisen tärkeys. Sitouttavista tekijöistä vahvimmin toisiinsa liittyvät Saatu tuki ja Osa identiteettiä. Motivaatio ja sitoutuminen liittyvät monella tavoin toisiinsa. Merkittävimmin toisiinsa liittyvät motivaatiossa Auttamisen arvot ja sitoutumisessa Osa identiteettiä. Näille ihmisille auttamisen arvoissa tärkeää ovat kristillisten arvojen edistäminen parisuhdetyössä sekä merkittävien asioiden tekeminen itselle tärkeässä tehtävässä. Heitä motivoi toisten auttaminen ja sama asia sitouttaa heitä myös vapaaehtoiseen parisuhdetyöhön. Niitä ryhmänjohtajia, joita motivoi vapaaehtoistoimintaan oma parisuhteen hoito, sitouttaa tähän työhön sen palkitsevuus. Niitä, joita motivoivat Auttamisen arvot tai Itselle saaminen, sitouttaa Saatu tuki, Osa identiteettiä ja Palkitsevuus. Kun motivoivana tekijänä on Toiminen yhdessä, silloin sitouttaa Saatu tuki ja Osa identiteettiä. Ryhmänjohtajat ovat erittäin sitoutuneita HNMKY:n arvoihin ja opetukseen. Vastaajille on erittäin merkittävää kristillisten arvojen edistäminen parisuhdetyössä. Kristillisyyden ja sen arvojen merkityksellisyys, auttamisen sekä oman parisuhteen ja perheen tärkeys liittyvät toisiinsa. Avainsanat – Nyckelord Vapaaehtoistyö, motiivit, sitoutuminen, parisuhde Säilytyspaikka – Förvaringställe Teologisen tiedekunnan kirjasto

Segmenting Australian online panellists based on volunteering motivations

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to seek to assess whether online commercial panel volunteering can be segmented based on their motivations, using the volunteer functions inventor. The authors also investigate whether segments exist which differ in demographic characteristics.Design/methodology/approach– The authors survey 484 Australian online panel volunteers using a adapted version of the 30 item of the volunteer function inventory (VFI) scale developed by Clary et al. (1998). Data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and cluster analysis, as well as ANOVA and χ2 test comparisons of demographics between clusters.Findings– CFA verifies that the VFI scale is suitable instrument to gauge online participants’ motivations. Cluster analysis produced a five-cluster solution, where respondents with low motivations overall comprised the largest grouping. Segments are interpreted by assessing the difference between the total sample average and the segment profile. The examination also identifies that the only demographic factor that varies across the five clusters is “respondents” employment status”.Research limitations/implications– Future research could explore if differences in segments result in differences in online participation. The high number or respondents with low motivations may explain the relatively high levels of churn that take place within online panels and as a result panel operators would need to continually attract new members. Further research could also investigate whether the levels of motivation change over time and if so what effect such variation would produce on respondents’ retention.Originality/value– Research on online panel respondents’ motivation is still limited and investigating online panellists’ motivation as volunteers is very important as it unveils, as in the study herein reported, that alternative types of respondents may be driven by different factors when joining an online panel (or completing a given survey). Recruitment strategies could, therefore, be shaped to suit the motivation of the different segments. By refining the matching between volunteers’ profiles and their motivation, managers could improve how volunteers are recruited, managed and retained.

Managing Volunteers in Canadian Community Sport Organizations

This study examined the use of human resource management (HRM) practices with volunteers in Canadian Community Sport Organizations (CSOs). Using the Volunteer Management Inventory (VMI; Cuskelly, Taylor, Hoye & Darcy, 2006), 219 leaders of associations in basketball, curling, ice hockey, skating, skiing, swimming, and volleyball participated in this study and identified current trends in HRM practices and perceived issues in the retention of volunteers. Data collected was analyzed using mean and descriptive statistics, T-tests, ANOVAs, and regression analyses. Results indicate that there is a varying use of HRM practices amongst the organizations, and also a significant correlation between the use of HRM practices and the retention of volunteers, particularly board members. Implications and future research directions are discussed regarding how HRM practices and principles may be applied to CSOs.

Estructuración de los procesos y la función de recursos humanos alineados con el direccionamiento estratégico en Kathmandu restaurante

El direccionamiento estratégico está destinado para que las organizaciones cumplan con sus metas y tengan perdurabilidad en el tiempo; es una forma metodológica en la cual se establecen La formulación y el planteamiento estratégicos, se identifican las brechas entre el sueño de la empresa y su realidad, para desplegar la plata forma estratégica. Kathmandu es un restaurante conocido por su diversidad cultural gastronómica, ubicado en Usaquén al Norte de Bogotá. Su serviespacio reúne los sabores, aromas, decoración y elixires del oriente, su música incluye una fusión de sonidos que permite materializar la experiencia que quiere brindar para satisfacer las expectativas de sus comensales y brindarles una experiencia diferente. Los fines de semana presentan shows de danza de vientre, para acompañar la comida y el rato que dispongan disfrutar en este lugar. Este restaurante tiene un diferenciador en su servicio, que le ofrece una ventaja competitiva, Kathmandu brinda la posibilidad de que además del deleite de sus platos, los clientes puedan adquirir toda la decoración de este lugar, estas son artesanías originales traídas de Nepal, India, Tailandia, Indonesia y sus alrededores. Otro atrayente de este restaurante son los cocteles alusivos a las regiones del oriente, y la narguile que ofrece a sus clientes. Al pasar de los años, ciertos inconvenientes presentados en el negocio, con los clientes, el personal y las utilidades, han hecho que los gerentes se preocupen por encontrar la raíz del problema y buscar la solución óptima para perdurar en el tiempo con los mejores beneficios posibles, pues las estrategias que estaban implementando no van acorde a su misión y visión, por lo que es necesario realizar una restructuración de ciertos procesos enfocados al direccionamiento estratégico. Se realizó un análisis en una reunión junto a las directivas sobre cada área de la organización donde se evidenciaron problemas que deben ser tratados para hacer de Kathmandu una empresa más eficiente, eficaz y productiva. Y prepararla para afrontar los cambios que el tiempo le presente, en cuanto a preferencias de los clientes, competencia, entre otras, bien sean a corto, mediano o largo plazo. Algunos de los principales problemas encontrados son: el servicio al cliente, la selección adecuada de personal y capacitación de este, la falta de manejo de un conducto jerárquico y repartición de funciones entre los colaboradores, el informe adecuado sobre la inconformidad de los clientes con su solución, el manual de funciones, el manejo de inventarios y su rotación, verificación de calidad de los productos, manejo de proveedores, entre otros. Kathmandu, a pesar de tener problemas evidentes, es una empresa que por los servicios y productos que ofrece sigue generando buenas utilidades, por esto los gerentes no le habían prestado la debida atención a estos inconvenientes que están poniendo en juego la perdurabilidad de la empresa y que afecta la optimización de las utilidades y minimización de costes sin afectar la calidad brindada al cliente. El objetivo de este restaurante es que el área de recursos humanos sea restructurada en cada uno de los procesos para articularla al direccionamiento estratégico de Kathmandu; pues en esta área se generan la mayoría de los problemas presentados anteriormente. El presente proyecto pretende diseñar el direccionamiento estratégico del área recursos humanos del restaurante Kathmandu para superar la problemática identificada y garantizar la efectividad de sus procesos y adicionalmente evidenciar la creencia de éxito sostenido que se manejaba en este lugar. Este proyecto se realizara con una metodología mixta, para tener aspectos de la investigación cuantitativa y cualitativa y poder realizar una investigación más completa que lleve a una óptima solución del problema abarcado. Se utilizara el direccionamiento estratégico como herramienta para replantear el área de recursos humanos de la organización y alcanzar la efectividad en sus procesos.

Interim report on the progress of an inventory of artesian wells in Florida: leading to the enforcement of sections 370.051 - 370.54, Florida statues

One of the causes of lower artesian pressure, water waste and aquifer contamination is the misuse and insufficient care of artesian wells. In 1953, Senate Bill No. 57, entitled "An Act to Protect and Control the Artesian Waters of the State" (see Appendix) became a law. This law was passed through the efforts exerted by leading members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, who understood the need for a wise and controlled expenditure of our most valuable natural resource. The State Geologist and his authorized representatives were designated by this law to enforce this conservation measure; however, no financial provision was included for the 1953-55 biennium. The proposed program of the Florida Geological Survey for this biennium did not include the funds nor provide any full-time personnel for the enforcement of this statute. As a result, little actual work was accomplished during these two years, although much time was given to planning and discussion of the problem. Realizing that this program could provide additional basic data needed in the analysis of the water-supply problem, the State Geologist sought and was granted by the 1955 Legislature adequate funds with which to activate the first phase of the enforcement of Florida Statute No. 370.051-054. Enumerated below is a summary of the progress made on this investigation as outlined previously: 1. Data have been collected on 967 wildly flowing wells in 22 counties. 2. Chloride determinations have been run on 850 of the 967 wells. 3. Of the 967 wells, 554 have chlorides in excess of the 250 ppm, the upper limit assigned by the State Board of Health for public consumption. 4. Water escapes at the rate of 37, 762 gallons per minute from these 967 wells. This amounts to 54, 377, 280 gallons per day. The investigation is incomplete at this time; therefore, no final conclusions can be reached. However, from data already collected, the following recommendations are proposed: 1. That the present inventory of wildly flowing wells be completed for the entire State. 2. That the current inventory of wildly flowing wells be expanded at the conclusion of the present inventory to include all flowing wells. 3. That a complete statewide inventory program be established and conducted in cooperation with the Ground Water Branchof the U.S. Geological Survey. 4. That the enforcement functions as set down in Sections 370.051/.054, Florida Statutes, be separated from the program to collect water-resource data and that these functions be given to the Water Resources Department, if such is created (to be recommended by the Water Resources Study Commission in a water policy law presented to the 1957 Legislature). 5. That the research phase (well inventory) of the program remain under the direction of the Florida Geological Survey. (PDF contains 204 pages.)

Development of Seismic Fragility Functions for a Moment Resisting Reinforced Concrete Framed Structure

Understanding the seismic vulnerability of building structures is important for seismic engineers, building owners, risk insurers and governments. Seismic vulnerability defines a buildings predisposition to be damaged as a result of an earthquake of a given severity. There are two components to seismic risk; the seismic hazard and the exposure of the structural inventory to any given earthquake event. This paper demonstrates the development of fragility curves at different damage states using a detailed mechanical model of a moment resisting reinforced concrete structure typical of Southern Europe. The mechanical model consists of a complex three-dimensional finite element model of the reinforced concrete moment resisting frame structure and is used to define the damage states through pushover analysis. Fragility curves are also defined using the HAZUS macroseismic methodology and the Risk-UE macroseismic methodology. Comparison of the mechanically modelled and HAZUS fragility curve shows good agreement while the Risk-UE methodology shows reasonably poor agreement.

Coordinating Inventory Control and Pricing Strategies with Random Demand and Fixed Ordering Cost: The Finite Horizon Case

We analyze a finite horizon, single product, periodic review model in which pricing and production/inventory decisions are made simultaneously. Demands in different periods are random variables that are independent of each other and their distributions depend on the product price. Pricing and ordering decisions are made at the beginning of each period and all shortages are backlogged. Ordering cost includes both a fixed cost and a variable cost proportional to the amount ordered. The objective is to find an inventory policy and a pricing strategy maximizing expected profit over the finite horizon. We show that when the demand model is additive, the profit-to-go functions are k-concave and hence an (s,S,p) policy is optimal. In such a policy, the period inventory is managed based on the classical (s,S) policy and price is determined based on the inventory position at the beginning of each period. For more general demand functions, i.e., multiplicative plus additive functions, we demonstrate that the profit-to-go function is not necessarily k-concave and an (s,S,p) policy is not necessarily optimal. We introduce a new concept, the symmetric k-concave functions and apply it to provide a characterization of the optimal policy.

Coordinating Inventory Control and Pricing Strategies with Random Demand and Fixed Ordering Cost: the Infinite Horizon Case

We analyze an infinite horizon, single product, periodic review model in which pricing and production/inventory decisions are made simultaneously. Demands in different periods are identically distributed random variables that are independent of each other and their distributions depend on the product price. Pricing and ordering decisions are made at the beginning of each period and all shortages are backlogged. Ordering cost includes both a fixed cost and a variable cost proportional to the amount ordered. The objective is to maximize expected discounted, or expected average profit over the infinite planning horizon. We show that a stationary (s,S,p) policy is optimal for both the discounted and average profit models with general demand functions. In such a policy, the period inventory is managed based on the classical (s,S) policy and price is determined based on the inventory position at the beginning of each period.

Risk Aversion in Inventory Management

Traditional inventory models focus on risk-neutral decision makers, i.e., characterizing replenishment strategies that maximize expected total profit, or equivalently, minimize expected total cost over a planning horizon. In this paper, we propose a framework for incorporating risk aversion in multi-period inventory models as well as multi-period models that coordinate inventory and pricing strategies. In each case, we characterize the optimal policy for various measures of risk that have been commonly used in the finance literature. In particular, we show that the structure of the optimal policy for a decision maker with exponential utility functions is almost identical to the structure of the optimal risk-neutral inventory (and pricing) policies. Computational results demonstrate the importance of this approach not only to risk-averse decision makers, but also to risk-neutral decision makers with limited information on the demand distribution.

Psychometric characteristics of the BRIEF scale for the assessment of executive functions in Spanish clinical population

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