Holmes, K., Nichols, G.S. and Ralston, R. (2018) It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and opportunity - deal with it! – Volunteer perceptions of the management of the volunteer experience at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Event Management, 22 (3). pp. 389-403. ISSN 1525-9951
Abstract
Mega-events such as the Olympic Games involve huge numbers of volunteers from the host community, necessitating the development of a large volunteer program, which will only operate for a short time. Leveraging this volunteer energy to lead to longer-term community volunteering has become a legacy goal for many event organizers. Mega-events typically use a top-down "program management" approach for their volunteer program. This article examines how the program management style impacts on the volunteer experience, using in-depth interviews with volunteers at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The study found that the program management approach had a negative impact on many volunteers' preevent experience, leading to some rejecting the offer of a role at the event. However, the anticipated "once-in-a-lifetime" experience of volunteering for the Olympic Games overcame most of the preevent shortcomings. The article considers the impact of volunteer management on repeat volunteering. Recommendations for better management of mega-event volunteers, leading to a volunteer legacy, are offered.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © Cognizant Communication Corporation 2018. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Management School (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 15 Mar 2017 13:16 |
Last Modified: | 26 Jun 2018 12:46 |
Published Version: | htps://doi.org/10.3727/152599518X15252895715050 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Cognizant Communication Corporation |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.3727/152599518X15252895715050 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:112633 |