Organizational Identification and Volunteer Workers: A Study of Red Cross Disaster Volunteers

Abstract

Abstract This study sought to identify factors that attract unpaid volunteers and influence them to continue in service as Red Cross disaster relief workers. An evaluation of current literature focusing on the relationship between organizational identification, its expression as commitment, and satisfaction with the job pointed to the development of six research questions. Based on a modified version of the OIQ, research questions centered on how competing identities and interpersonal relationships with co-workers influence commitment and identification. In addition, a series of open-ended questions provided volunteers the opportunity to express their personal feelings about the organization. Results showed that the high levels of identification and commitment among this group of volunteers was not influenced by their employment status or involvement with other voluntary organizations. Emerging from the data as important factors in volunteers' decision to stay with the organization was the importance of relationships with fellow disaster workers and paid staff as well as a strong emotional attachment to the history and mission of the Red Cross.