Project management within volunteering organisations - Revision history

Tkokotas at 11:50, 20 December 2018

2018-12-20T11:50:23Z

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			''Developed by Kristine Maria Clemmensen-Rotne''


	Within volunteering organizations, leading of projects is being done without the classic authority, that can often be seen in companies. This means that all volunteers have to be motivated by other factors, such as the feeling of purpose or the process of the project. To create a motivational atmosphere it is also important to focus on communication and on involving the volunteers.		Within volunteering organizations, leading of projects is being done without the classic authority, that can often be seen in companies. This means that all volunteers have to be motivated by other factors, such as the feeling of purpose or the process of the project. To create a motivational atmosphere it is also important to focus on communication and on involving the volunteers.

Gaetangarnotel at 23:08, 6 September 2015

2015-09-06T23:08:37Z

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	Within volunteering organizations, leading of projects is being done without the classic authority, that can often be seen in companies. This means that all volunteers have to be motivated by other factors, such as the feeling of purpose or the process of the project. To create a motivational atmosphere it is also important to focus on communication and on involving the volunteers.		Within volunteering organizations, leading of projects is being done without the classic authority, that can often be seen in companies. This means that all volunteers have to be motivated by other factors, such as the feeling of purpose or the process of the project. To create a motivational atmosphere it is also important to focus on communication and on involving the volunteers.

	The purpose of this article is to illustrate project management practices in volunteering organisations. The Danish scouting and guiding organization, Det Danske Spejderkorps, was drawn upon for references and case examples. The objective of this organization is to create an inspirational environment with possibilities for development of the members.<ref> Formål §3, ''Lovhæfte 2013-2015, Det Danske Spejderkorps, December 2013</ref> Many volunteering organisations have lost members over the last years. Det Danske Spejderkorps was also loosing members for some years, but has managed to turn this tendency around and has been growing in numbers since 2008.<~~refname="1"~~> ''De Blå Spejdere oplever medlemsvækst '', Arne Simonsen, Nyheder og Analyser, DUF, 11. marts 2009 </ref>		The purpose of this article is to illustrate project management practices in volunteering organisations. The Danish scouting and guiding organization, Det Danske Spejderkorps, was drawn upon for references and case examples. The objective of this organization is to create an inspirational environment with possibilities for development of the members.<ref> Formål §3, ''Lovhæfte 2013-2015, Det Danske Spejderkorps, December 2013</ref> Many volunteering organisations have lost members over the last years. Det Danske Spejderkorps was also loosing members for some years, but has managed to turn this tendency around and has been growing in numbers since 2008.<ref> ''De Blå Spejdere oplever medlemsvækst '', Arne Simonsen, Nyheder og Analyser, DUF, 11. marts 2009 </ref>
	Furthermore the project management practices from volunteering organisations will be discussed with the focus on applicability within companies.		Furthermore the project management practices from volunteering organisations will be discussed with the focus on applicability within companies.

Gaetangarnotel at 23:08, 6 September 2015

2015-09-06T23:08:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:08, 6 September 2015
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	Within volunteering organizations, leading of projects is being done without the classic authority, that can often be seen in companies. This means that all volunteers have to be motivated by other factors, such as the feeling of purpose or the process of the project. To create a motivational atmosphere it is also important to focus on communication and on involving the volunteers.		Within volunteering organizations, leading of projects is being done without the classic authority, that can often be seen in companies. This means that all volunteers have to be motivated by other factors, such as the feeling of purpose or the process of the project. To create a motivational atmosphere it is also important to focus on communication and on involving the volunteers.

	The purpose of this article is to illustrate project management practices in volunteering organisations. The Danish scouting and guiding organization, Det Danske Spejderkorps, was drawn upon for references and case examples. The objective of this organization is to create an inspirational environment with possibilities for development of the members.<ref> Formål §3, ''Lovhæfte 2013-2015, Det Danske Spejderkorps, December 2013</ref> Many volunteering organisations have lost members over the last years. Det Danske Spejderkorps was also loosing members for some years, but has managed to turn this tendency around and has been growing in numbers since 2008.<~~ref~~> ''De Blå Spejdere oplever medlemsvækst '', Arne Simonsen, Nyheder og Analyser, DUF, 11. marts 2009 </ref>		The purpose of this article is to illustrate project management practices in volunteering organisations. The Danish scouting and guiding organization, Det Danske Spejderkorps, was drawn upon for references and case examples. The objective of this organization is to create an inspirational environment with possibilities for development of the members.<ref> Formål §3, ''Lovhæfte 2013-2015, Det Danske Spejderkorps, December 2013</ref> Many volunteering organisations have lost members over the last years. Det Danske Spejderkorps was also loosing members for some years, but has managed to turn this tendency around and has been growing in numbers since 2008.<refname="1"> ''De Blå Spejdere oplever medlemsvækst '', Arne Simonsen, Nyheder og Analyser, DUF, 11. marts 2009 </ref>
	Furthermore the project management practices from volunteering organisations will be discussed with the focus on applicability within companies.		Furthermore the project management practices from volunteering organisations will be discussed with the focus on applicability within companies.

Choko: /* Involvement */

2014-12-01T22:51:24Z

Involvement

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	When the volunteers are involved actively in the decision processes, it is possible to demand both seriousness and ambitiousness about the task. Once the project group manages to establish an ambitious and professional team, it will provide a feeling of pride to be part of the team. Team members will therefore strive even harder to deliver well done tasks for the team. When the team feels good about themselves there will also be more room for fun activities in between the more serious activities. This will further support the team spirit of the team.		When the volunteers are involved actively in the decision processes, it is possible to demand both seriousness and ambitiousness about the task. Once the project group manages to establish an ambitious and professional team, it will provide a feeling of pride to be part of the team. Team members will therefore strive even harder to deliver well done tasks for the team. When the team feels good about themselves there will also be more room for fun activities in between the more serious activities. This will further support the team spirit of the team.

			Involvement goes both ways. A way to motivate the team members is for the project leader to ask how the team members are doing with the tasks. It will provide information about how the tasks are coming along. It will also make it easier for the team member to ask for help if needed and it can provide the feeling of efforts being noticed.
	~~Communication covers~~ both ~~the top down communication from management to and the communication between the project leaders and the project team members about the tasks of the team member~~. A way to motivate the team members is for the project leader to ask how the team members are doing with the tasks. It will provide information about how the tasks are coming along. It will also make it easier for the team member to ask for help if needed and it can provide the feeling of efforts being noticed.

	~~Involvement goes both ways - see section above~~

	~~'''if people think they have something to loose they get nervous and don't want to cooperate - make them feel safe by talking and communicating. Goes for involvement too~~.

	== Discussion ==		== Discussion ==

Choko: /* Management */

2014-12-01T22:50:03Z

Management

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	Good management will make it possible to maintain the good team spirit, to carry out the big ambitions and to create the simplicity to make it easy for the volunteers to contribute.<ref name="multiple"> ''Den attraktive Spejdergruppe - Medlemsundersøgelse for Det Danske Spejderkorps'', Friluftsrådet, 28. juli 2006 </ref>		Good management will make it possible to maintain the good team spirit, to carry out the big ambitions and to create the simplicity to make it easy for the volunteers to contribute.<ref name="multiple"> ''Den attraktive Spejdergruppe - Medlemsundersøgelse for Det Danske Spejderkorps'', Friluftsrådet, 28. juli 2006 </ref>

	Pitfalls of management within in volunteering project groups is lack of communication. If the volunteers feel that they do not understand the reasons for a specific decision, or that they have not had the chance to be heard in the decision process, they are not always likely to follow their leaders. Another risk is burnouts within management, when the leaders do not manage to ask for help in time.		Pitfalls of management within volunteering project groups is lack of communication. If the volunteers feel that they do not understand the reasons for a specific decision, or that they have not had the chance to be heard in the decision process, they are not always likely to follow their leaders. Another risk is burnouts within management, when the leaders do not manage to ask for help in time.
	In general it is better if the leader(s) only have the management task, since it is a demanding task. The task of leading is sometimes underestimated among volunteers.<ref name="multiple"> ''Den attraktive Spejdergruppe - Medlemsundersøgelse for Det Danske Spejderkorps'', Friluftsrådet, 28. juli 2006 </ref>		In general it is better if the leader(s) only have the management task, since it is a demanding task. The task of leading is sometimes underestimated among volunteers.<ref name="multiple"> ''Den attraktive Spejdergruppe - Medlemsundersøgelse for Det Danske Spejderkorps'', Friluftsrådet, 28. juli 2006 </ref>

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	=== Involvement ===		=== Involvement ===
	~~''' More structure~~		Many volunteers prefer to be involved in the decision making concerning their projects. When the members of a project group are involved in the decision making, it will be easier for them to understand the reasoning behind the choices and thereby accept and live by the decision. When the project members are fully aware of the goal and the strategy to achieve it, they are reassured that they are contributing to the right goal. This therefore provides a better working environment for the volunteers if they take an active part in the decision making concerning the project.

	Many volunteers prefer to be involved in the decision making concerning their projects. When the members of a project group are involved in the decision making, it will be easier for them to understand the reasoning behind the choices and thereby accept and live by the decision. When the project members are fully aware of the goal and the strategy to achieve it, they
	~~When you understand the goal and the strategy of the project you can feel certain~~ that ~~you~~ are contributing the right ~~way~~. It therefore provides a better working environment for the volunteers if they take an active part in the decision making concerning the project.

	When the volunteers are involved actively in the decision processes, it is possible to demand both seriousness and ambitiousness about the task. Once the project group manages to establish an ambitious and professional team, it will provide a feeling of pride to be part of the team. Team members will therefore strive even harder to deliver well done tasks for the team. When the team feels good about themselves there will also be more room for fun activities in between the more serious activities. This will further support the team spirit of the team.		When the volunteers are involved actively in the decision processes, it is possible to demand both seriousness and ambitiousness about the task. Once the project group manages to establish an ambitious and professional team, it will provide a feeling of pride to be part of the team. Team members will therefore strive even harder to deliver well done tasks for the team. When the team feels good about themselves there will also be more room for fun activities in between the more serious activities. This will further support the team spirit of the team.

Choko: /* Involvement */

2014-12-01T22:47:48Z

Involvement

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	''' More structure		''' More structure

	Many volunteers prefer to be involved in the decision making concerning their projects. When ~~you~~ are ~~part of~~ making ~~the decisions you also~~ understand the ~~reasons~~ behind the ~~goals~~ and strategy. When you understand the goal and the strategy of the project you can feel certain that you are contributing the right way. It therefore provides a better working environment for the volunteers if they take an active part in the decision making concerning the project.		Many volunteers prefer to be involved in the decision making concerning their projects. When the members of a project group are involved in the decision making, it will be easier for them to understand the reasoning behind the choices and thereby accept and live by the decision. When the project members are fully aware of the goal and the strategy to achieve it, they
			When you understand the goal and the strategy of the project you can feel certain that you are contributing the right way. It therefore provides a better working environment for the volunteers if they take an active part in the decision making concerning the project.

	When the volunteers are involved actively in the decision processes, it is possible to demand both seriousness and ambitiousness about the task. Once the project group manages to establish an ambitious and professional team, it will provide a feeling of pride to be part of the team. Team members will therefore strive even harder to deliver well done tasks for the team. When the team feels good about themselves there will also be more room for fun activities in between the more serious activities. This will further support the team spirit of the team.		When the volunteers are involved actively in the decision processes, it is possible to demand both seriousness and ambitiousness about the task. Once the project group manages to establish an ambitious and professional team, it will provide a feeling of pride to be part of the team. Team members will therefore strive even harder to deliver well done tasks for the team. When the team feels good about themselves there will also be more room for fun activities in between the more serious activities. This will further support the team spirit of the team.


			Communication covers both the top down communication from management to and the communication between the project leaders and the project team members about the tasks of the team member. A way to motivate the team members is for the project leader to ask how the team members are doing with the tasks. It will provide information about how the tasks are coming along. It will also make it easier for the team member to ask for help if needed and it can provide the feeling of efforts being noticed.

			Involvement goes both ways - see section above

			'''if people think they have something to loose they get nervous and don't want to cooperate - make them feel safe by talking and communicating. Goes for involvement too.

	== Discussion ==		== Discussion ==

Choko: /* Communication */

2014-12-01T22:43:50Z

Communication

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	=== Communication ===		=== Communication ===
	~~'''More structure~~
	~~'''What do you want to get from the figure~~

	[[File:Communication.png\|250px\|thumb\|Fig. 3. Illustration of project team members not "speaking the same language". This means that they do not manage to communicate their message to each other.]]		[[File:Communication.png\|250px\|thumb\|Fig. 3. Illustration of project team members not "speaking the same language". This means that they do not manage to communicate their message to each other.]]
	Establishing a common language within the project team is especially important when working with volunteers. Volunteer work is value based and values are more often felt than thought. ~~It can therefore~~ be difficult for ~~a lot of people~~ to express the values they feel are central to the organisation they are part of. ~~If a common language is not established it can be very difficult to agree on a shared purpose of~~ the project. ~~There~~ is ~~also the risk of~~ the project group ~~thinking they agreed on a shared~~ purpose~~, that turns out not to be so common once~~ the ~~actual work gets started~~. ~~This can lead~~ to ~~great frustrations within the project~~ team.		Establishing a common language within the project team is especially important when working with volunteers. Volunteer work is value based and values are more often felt than thought or articulated. This means that it will be difficult for some volunteers to express the values they feel are central to the organisation they are part of. This problem requires awareness from the project manager. It is important to be aware if the project group members are able to formulate the purpose of the group. Both to be certain every team member knows what they are working for, but also to be certain that everyone is able to question and debate the purpose of the project group. Giving the project group a common language to communicate about the purpose ensures that the purpose can be reconsidered and renewed if needed.

	~~Figure 3 illustrates project team members that are not sharing a common language on a particular subject. They might not be aware that even though~~ they are ~~using the same words~~, ~~it has completely different meanings~~ to ~~them. This problem might only~~ be ~~realized once the project work has started~~ and ~~problems have already occured.~~

	~~Communication covers both~~ the ~~top down communication from management and the communication between~~ the project ~~leaders and the project team members about the tasks of the team member~~. ~~A way to motivate the team members is for~~ the project ~~leader~~ to ~~ask how the team members are doing with the tasks. It will provide information~~ about ~~how~~ the ~~tasks are coming along. It will also make it easier for~~ the ~~team member to ask for help~~ if needed ~~and it can provide the feeling of efforts being noticed~~.

	~~'''if people think they have something to loose~~ they ~~get nervous and don't want~~ to ~~cooperate - make~~ them ~~feel safe by talking~~ and ~~communicating. Goes for involvement too~~.		Figure 3 illustrates project team members that are not sharing a common language on a particular subject. They might not be aware that even though they are using the same words, it has completely different meanings to them. This problem might only be realized once the project work has started and problems have already occured.

	=== Involvement ===		=== Involvement ===

Choko: /* Ambition */

2014-12-01T22:33:41Z

Ambition

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	About ambition, it is worth noting that; ''If your concept of what volunteers can contribute is limited, you will design a volunteering structure that indeed keeps achievement low. But if you are open to the potential of what might develop, you will find ways to encourage volunteers’ success.''		About ambition, it is worth noting that; ''If your concept of what volunteers can contribute is limited, you will design a volunteering structure that indeed keeps achievement low. But if you are open to the potential of what might develop, you will find ways to encourage volunteers’ success.''
	<ref> ''From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvement'',		<ref> ''From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvement'',
	Susan J. Ellis, Energize, 3rd edition, 2010</ref> The good project groups accomplish challenging activities with high standards.<ref name="multiple"> ''Den attraktive Spejdergruppe - Medlemsundersøgelse for Det Danske Spejderkorps'', Friluftsrådet, 28. juli 2006 </ref> ~~The purpose of the project group has to be visible and specific, so the volunteers are striving towards the same goal.~~		Susan J. Ellis, Energize, 3rd edition, 2010</ref> The good project groups accomplish challenging activities with high standards. The purpose of the project group has to be visible and specific, so the volunteers are striving towards the same goal.<ref name="multiple"> ''Den attraktive Spejdergruppe - Medlemsundersøgelse for Det Danske Spejderkorps'', Friluftsrådet, 28. juli 2006 </ref>

	==== Evaluation of volunteers ====		==== Evaluation of volunteers ====

Choko: /* Ambition */

2014-12-01T22:33:10Z

Ambition

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:33, 1 December 2014
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	About ambition, it is worth noting that; ''If your concept of what volunteers can contribute is limited, you will design a volunteering structure that indeed keeps achievement low. But if you are open to the potential of what might develop, you will find ways to encourage volunteers’ success.''		About ambition, it is worth noting that; ''If your concept of what volunteers can contribute is limited, you will design a volunteering structure that indeed keeps achievement low. But if you are open to the potential of what might develop, you will find ways to encourage volunteers’ success.''
	<ref> ''From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvement'',		<ref> ''From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvement'',
	Susan J. Ellis, Energize, 3rd edition, 2010</ref> The good project groups accomplish challenging activities with high standards.<ref name="multiple"> ''Den attraktive Spejdergruppe - Medlemsundersøgelse for Det Danske Spejderkorps'', Friluftsrådet, 28. juli 2006 </ref> The purpose of the project group has to be visible and specific, so the volunteers are striving towards the same goal. Therefore it is also important for the project group members to be able to formulate the purpose of the group. Both to be certain everyone knows what they are working for but also to be certain that everyone is able to question and debate the purpose of the project group. Giving the project group a common language to communicate about the purpose ensures that the purpose can be reconsidered and renewed if needed.<ref group="footnotes"> For further elaboration on this subject, see the Communication part of this article</ref>		Susan J. Ellis, Energize, 3rd edition, 2010</ref> The good project groups accomplish challenging activities with high standards.<ref name="multiple"> ''Den attraktive Spejdergruppe - Medlemsundersøgelse for Det Danske Spejderkorps'', Friluftsrådet, 28. juli 2006 </ref> The purpose of the project group has to be visible and specific, so the volunteers are striving towards the same goal.

	==== Evaluation of volunteers ====		==== Evaluation of volunteers ====

Choko: /* How is this subject relevant */

2014-12-01T22:31:47Z

How is this subject relevant

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:31, 1 December 2014
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	When the volunteers are involved actively in the decision processes, it is possible to demand both seriousness and ambitiousness about the task. Once the project group manages to establish an ambitious and professional team, it will provide a feeling of pride to be part of the team. Team members will therefore strive even harder to deliver well done tasks for the team. When the team feels good about themselves there will also be more room for fun activities in between the more serious activities. This will further support the team spirit of the team.		When the volunteers are involved actively in the decision processes, it is possible to demand both seriousness and ambitiousness about the task. Once the project group manages to establish an ambitious and professional team, it will provide a feeling of pride to be part of the team. Team members will therefore strive even harder to deliver well done tasks for the team. When the team feels good about themselves there will also be more room for fun activities in between the more serious activities. This will further support the team spirit of the team.

	== ~~How is this subject relevant~~ ==		== Discussion ==
	The foundation of volunteering organisations is based on making people feel like the "work carries its own reward". Therefore, many of the best practices that are being taught within project management have already been implemented in some volunteering organisations. This happens naturally, since the volunteers will bring the prefered or most meaningful practices with them from work into the organisations they spend their spare time in.		The foundation of volunteering organisations is based on making people feel like the "work carries its own reward". Therefore, many of the best practices that are being taught within project management have already been implemented in some volunteering organisations. This happens naturally, since the volunteers will bring the prefered or most meaningful practices with them from work into the organisations they spend their spare time in.