Author: Christel Mex
Mex, Christel, 2019 Stepping up or stepping out? Volunteer leaders in Australian grassroots associations, Flinders University, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
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Society benefits significantly from the work of small groups of volunteers who come
together for a common cause. Generally known as grassroots associations, it is estimated
that there are almost half a million of these groups operating in Australia today. Grassroots
associations are small, often community-based, and are run solely by volunteers without
the benefit of paid staff. Examples include environmental groups, sporting clubs, health
support groups, service clubs and even community bands. Despite the importance of
these associations in civil society, there is very little research on them in Australia.
This dissertation helps to fill this significant research gap by presenting a case study of the
current state of grassroots associations in South Australia. Through a mixed-methods
research approach, with 12 focus groups and a survey of 1,500 association members in
South Australia, the study argues that membership numbers of these associations are
indeed declining with fewer members willing to step up and become leaders. The thesis
also identifies why, or why not, members choose to nominate as leaders. Barriers to
leadership are presented at both the environmental and organisational level, and include
the rise of individualism, unwelcomed professionalism due to regulation and red tape,
demands of new technology and poor management including the misuse of power within
volunteer committees.
At the conclusion, integrated solutions are recommended based on the evidence
uncovered in the data. These solutions include a reduction of red tape imposed by
governments and insurers, more accessibility to the volunteering infrastructure and more
capacity building programs to enable positive and supportive cultures within grassroots
associations.
This thesis provides a substantial and original contribution to knowledge by generating and
uncovering critical new data on the state of grassroots associations in South Australia and
their governance. It finds that these groups make up the vast majority of the percentage of
the third-sector, yet are virtually ignored by governments and the volunteering
infrastructure. Most alarmingly, this study finds that these vital associations are not only
struggling to find replacement leaders, but many of them are struggling to survive. The
study also unveils new trends in small association volunteering and recommends
innovative policy solutions to build their capacity for the long term.
Keywords: Grassroots associations, Volunteer leaders, Volunteer committees, Community groups, Volunteer associations, Membership associations, Community based organizations, Volunteer recruitment, Volunteer management, Volunteer turnover, Civil society organizations, Micro organizations
Subject: Humanities thesis
Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2019
School: College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Supervisor: Professor Melanie Oppenheimer