Employer-supported volunteering benefits: Gift exchange among employers, employees, and volunteer organizations

Jonathan E. Booth, Kyoung Won Park, Theresa M. Glomb

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

116 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using gift exchange theory to explain the growing trend of employers offering employer-supported volunteering (ESV) benefits, this article discusses the creation of exchange relationships between the employer and employee and between the volunteer organization and employee. Hypotheses derived from the employee's perspective are tested with a nationally representative sample of volunteers (n = 3,658). Findings suggest that ESV benefits are positively related to hours volunteered by the employee. Volunteer hours predict employee perceptions of skill acquisition, and such perceptions are positively related to perceptions of job success and employer recognition. We discuss the implications of these findings for business, employees, and volunteer organizations, with an emphasis on human resource management policy and practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)227-249
Number of pages23
JournalHuman Resource Management
Volume48
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2009

Keywords

  • Compensation and benefits
  • Employer-supported volunteer programs
  • Employer-supported volunteering
  • Human capital
  • Nonprofit
  • Socioeconomic achievement
  • Strategic HR
  • Training and development
  • Volunteer

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