Mandatory volunteerism: the role of perceived organizational support in perceived benefits and costs, and volunteer outcomes

Rationale/Purpose: This study drew upon social exchange theory to investigate the mediation effects of perceived benefits and costs on the relationship between perceived organizational support (POS) and the attitudinal outcomes of mandatory volunteers (voluntolds), namely volunteer satisfaction and future civic intention. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 513 respondents who were voluntolds (i.e. mandatory volunteers) at a large-scale sport event in China. They were analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings: The results indicated that POS was positively and more significantly associated to perceived benefits and negatively associated with perceived costs. POS also positively predicted volunteer satisfaction, but it did not directly predict future civic intention. In addition, perceived benefits were positively associated with volunteer satisfaction but not with future civic intention, whereas perceived costs were negatively related to both volunteer satisfaction and future civic intention. Practical implications: The findings provide insightful implications for sport event organizers to develop a volunteer management program with particular attention to orientation, training and support, performance management, and recognition practices for mandatory volunteers. Research Contribution: The findings suggest the proactive role of event organizers in enhancing perceived benefits and volunteer satisfaction and, consequently, promoting the civic behaviors of mandatory volunteers.