Modelling the organisational socialisation of volunteers in English associational golf clubs

Mills, Christopher, Urquhart, Cathy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7754-6085, Mackintosh, Chris ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7798-5125 and Gillooly, Leah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1320-2803 (2024) Modelling the organisational socialisation of volunteers in English associational golf clubs. European Sport Management Quarterly, 24 (3). pp. 641-660. ISSN 1618-4742

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Abstract

Research question: The research considers the organisational socialisation process for volunteers in associational golf clubs. Research methods: Constructivist grounded theory method was used, with qualitative data collected through 28 semi-structured interviews with volunteers at English associational golf clubs. Results and Findings: The article develops a model for the organisational socialisation of golf club volunteers. The model highlights an extended period of organisational socialisation, which locates assimilation during club membership before volunteering begins. This prior period of assimilation allows individuals to acquire organisational knowledge and make informed decisions about whether to volunteer. It also shapes their actions as volunteers and the meanings they derive from volunteering. Our findings emphasise the importance of participation among members as a precursor to volunteering. They also highlight how, in the absence of orientation support from the club, movement through the socialisation process depends on individuals’ biographical assets. Implications: The model should help golf clubs, and potentially other voluntary sports clubs, manage their organisational socialisation process to develop established members, improve volunteer recruitment and produce long-term volunteers. Improved management of this process could also enhance the diversity of both members and volunteers.