Networks of volunteers and paid staff: A mixed method analysis on network positions, structure and effectiveness.

Public and nonprofit organizations are increasingly relying on social networks of volunteers and paid staff for social service delivery. Against this background, we rely on social network analysis to advance theoretical and practical knowledge on (1) the structure of networks and positions in networks of volunteers and paid staff in public and nonprofit organizations, and (2) how volunteers and paid staff use their social networks to reach more effective social services. Our two theoretical objectives focus on (1) development and validation of detailed theoretical propositions about the networks between individuals that collaborate in the roles of volunteers and paid staff and (2) creation of a deeper theoretical understanding of the managerial and policy actions that decision-makers can apply in order to improve social service networks. These objectives are further elaborated in six concrete research questions, which are the foci of the work packages in our planned approach. Our project has a strong empirical component. Given the nature of the research questions, we will apply quantitative and qualitative research methods, including interviews, network analysis, Q-sorting interviews, and conjoint experiments. The planned research will contribute – through the interdisciplinary collaboration of the applicants – to the literature on social networks, social work, and volunteer management.

Keywords:SOCIAL WORK, SOCIOLOGY OF ORGANISATIONS

Disciplines:Social work not elsewhere classified, Sociology of occupations and professions, Sociology of work, Voluntary associations, participation and civil society

Project type:Collaboration project