| Abstract [eng] |
The object of analysis of the master’s thesis is the management of volunteer engagement and retention in non-profit organizations. The aim of the thesis was, after examining the theoretical aspects of volunteer engagement and retention management, to determine how this management process is implemented in Lithuanian non-profit organizations by identifying the factors that influence engagement and retention. The aim of the thesis was achieved through the following objectives: (1) to reveal the concept and types of volunteering; (2) to analyze the management of volunteer engagement and retention by identifying the key factors within a theoretical model; (3) to examine the practices of volunteer engagement and retention management in Lithuanian non-profit organizations; (4) to identify problems related to the management of volunteer engagement and retention and to propose directions for improving management. To achieve these objectives, methods of scientific literature analysis, systematization, classification, synthesis, generalization, interviews, and content analysis were applied. The master’s thesis consists of an introduction, theoretical, methodological, and empirical parts, conclusions, and recommendations. A total of 50 literature sources were used in the thesis, 32 of which are in foreign languages. The theoretical part of the thesis analyzes the theoretical aspects of volunteer engagement and retention management: the concept and types of volunteering are discussed, the theoretical foundations and models of volunteer management are examined, volunteer management as part of human resource management in non-profit organizations is analyzed, and volunteer engagement and retention management is considered through the prism of management functions. At the end of this part, a theoretical model of volunteer engagement and retention management is presented. The second part presents the research methodology, including the research design, instrument, sample, data collection procedures, and analysis methods. The third part presents the results of the empirical study. It was found that the management of volunteer engagement and retention in Lithuanian non-profit organizations is a complex, context-dependent process in which organizational decisions and volunteers’ experiences continuously influence each other through ongoing feedback. The research results contributed to the scientific discourse by demonstrating that volunteer retention cannot be ensured solely through formal management mechanisms; rather, it emerges from the interaction of meaningful activities, supportive relationships, and an empowering organizational environment. In this way, volunteer management becomes not only an administrative but also a social and psychological process that determines the sustainability of non-profit organizations’ activities. The thesis concludes with conclusions and recommendations. |
