Towards communicating the value of volunteers: lessons from the field
Well-managed volunteers are assets that charities insist they cannot do without. Nevertheless, few charities publish the value of their volunteers' efforts in annual reports. Charities' current practices in communicating volunteers' value reflect the regulatory environment, but not their increasing professionalization. Valuing volunteers can assist charities in services planning and to build their reputation in their communities. However, charities' managers must also accept that judgement is required in negotiating the sensitive nature of defining volunteers' value.
Valuing volunteers: The impact of volunteerism on hospital performance
Background: Volunteers have been present in health care settings for centuries. However, there is little empirical evidence regarding the impact that volunteers make on hospital performance. Since the 1990s, hospitals in the United States have had a great deal of pressure to produce high-quality care at minimum expense. These pressures have enhanced the benefits of using volunteers in a hospital setting. Purpose: This study utilized multiple regression analysis to explore the impact of the use of volunteers and the level of professionalism of volunteer programs on cost effectiveness and patient satisfaction in hospitals. Methodology/Approach: Hospitals throughout the state of Florida were invited to participate in the study by completing a brief questionnaire about their volunteer programs. Performance indicators of volunteer cost savings and patient satisfaction scores for 50 Florida hospitals were analyzed using data sets from the American Hospital Association and Agency for Health Care Administration along with data obtained from a questionnaire. Findings: Results indicate that the use of volunteers offers significant cost savings to hospitals and enhances patient satisfaction scores. Discussion: Larger volunteer programs appear to enhance patient satisfaction while containing costs. Future research opportunities related to the impact of volunteers and volunteer professionalism on other hospital performance measures are suggested.
A STUDY ON ORGANIZED RETAILING AND ITS CHALLENGES AND RETAIL CUSTOMER SERVICES
India is becoming most favored retail destination in the world. Today retail sector contributing 10% to countryâ€™s GDP. Indian retail industry is ranked among the ten largest retail markets in the world. The change of attitudes of Indian consumers and the emergence of organized retail formats have transformed the face of retailing in India. Organized retailing offers huge potential for future growth of retailing in India. This paper provides information about the growth of retailing in India. And also focuses on the challenges faced by organized retail sector in India. It also emphasize on major players of retailers in India and customer services provided by the retailers. This paper also deals with various retail formats and the opportunities for the growth of retail industry in India and also provides some suggestions to overcome the challenges.