The Volunteer Experience in Temporary Organizations: Volunteer Role Negotiation and Identification in a Pop-Culture Convention

Abstract

The present study explores the role negotiations and identity of volunteers at a large Southwestern pop-culture convention. A sensemaking perspective was used to understand how volunteers retrospectively interpret their experiences as volunteers in this temporary organization. Data collection included participant observation and interviews of 26 volunteers. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Three role negotiation categories were identified: learning roles, negotiating roles, and making sense of roles. Ineffective communication during role learning and negotiation created ambiguity and uncertainty for volunteers. Volunteers identified with the convention primarily through communicative interactions with patrons but also through communicating with staff or by wearing artifacts (e.g., clothing). Results suggest modifying sensemaking theory to recognize individual as well as collective sensemaking.

Keywords:

• Identification
• Organizational Assimilation
• Role Negotiation
• Sensemaking
• Temporary Organization
• Volunteers

Notes

The following quotations were taken from interview transcripts compiled by the first author. These transcripts came from interviews conducted with study participants.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael Tornes

Michael Tornes (MA, Baylor University, 2011) is a PhD candidate at the University of Oklahoma. His organizational research focuses on the assimilation process. His recent research focuses on applying the bona fide group perspective to the organizational assimilation process.

Michael W. Kramer

Michael W. Kramer (PhD, Texas, 1991) is Professor and chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Oklahoma. His organizational research focuses on employee transitions such as newcomers, exit processes, and corporate mergers. His recent group research focuses on decision making, membership, and leadership involving volunteers.