dc.description.abstract | The purpose of the survey was to establish the extent to which best practices that determine the
volunteer management capacities are adopted in Charitable Children Institutions (CCls). Upon
interaction with volunteers and observation of volunteer activities in charity institutions and
government departments there have been discernible contributions of volunteers to these
institutions as well as notable gaps in the management of volunteers as a human resource base
with high potential for charities. J9:is project sought to survey the capacities of CCls to manage
volunteers with a view to providing practical recommendations to address the gaps and
strengthening the best practices already in use. The practices the survey focused on included; the
training of managers in managing volunteers, screening and recruitment, orientation and training,
volunteer job design, supervision and recognition of volunteers. ~estionnaires based on the
familiarity with, prevalence and adoption of these practices were directly administered to a
systemic sample of CCls managers and volunteers in CCls in Dagoretti division of Nairobi
province who were actively involved in volunteer services between February 2007 and February
2008. Mail questionnaires as well as telephone interviews were used 0 collect data.
The survey established that all CCls surveyed use volunteers in their activities, either in
providing support services or professional service. The results also provided an insight on the
different capacities of various institutions in their adoption of these practices and this was
dependent on characteristics of the CCI which included professional training of the managers of
the eel, the availability of staff training opportunities, level of funding as well as staff retention
level. The survey also generated from volunteers a list of primary needs for their effective
performance and satisfaction.
In conclusion, the result indicated that the adoption of volunteer management practices in Cels
in the management of volunteers is not widespread. However the results also indicated existing
good practices that need to be strengthened to enhance volunteer retention. The researcher also
recommended best practices for eventual maximization and effective use of volunteers to enable
volunteers make the best contribution to development. | en |