When motivation is not enough: Effects of prosociality and organizational socialization in volunteers’ intention to continue volunteering

Retention of volunteers is a main issue for no-profit organizations. In the present study, using a cross-sectional design, determinants of volunteers’ intentions to continue their service were investigated in a sample of 116 volunteers at different Italian organizations (Mage = 42.32, SDage = 15.91). Guided by the conceptual model of the volunteer process, we hypothesized that organizational socialization should mediate the link between prosocial personality and intention to continue volunteering. Results confirmed our prediction. Findings provide suggestions for organizations concerned about volunteers’ dropout that focus on ameliorating the socialization process of less prosocial volunteers in order to support their intention to remain in the organization.