01 Gaps and Issues in Volunteer Management Evidences from Civil Society Organizations

Abstract

The research was focused on gaps and issues in volunteer management, in concepts and practices, by the volunteer involving organizations (VIOs) housed in Islamabad and Multan. Field data collection was carried out by applying qualitative research methods, whereas, the conclusions were arrived at through content analysis method. The findings of the study revealed that volunteerism in Pakistan is a ‘land of opportunity’ but the inefficiency and inexperience of VIOs coupled with managerial issues has made it ‘no mans’ land’. Nonexistence and inefficient linkages amongst the civil society organizations was causing a loss of knowledge and best practices which, could help to save lot of resources, time and energy. A great majority of the organizations lack fundamental processes for identification, assessment, retention, sustainability and even database of volunteers. The capacity of VIOs was limited to cater for the volunteers, therefore, hampering overall potential and scope of volunteerism in Pakistan.