Committed to whom?: Unravelling how volunteers’ perceived impact on beneficiaries influences turnover intentions and volunteer performance

This study presents a framework for understanding the processes through which volunteers’ perception of relational job design influences their turnover intentions and time spent volunteering. Data sourced from an international aid and development agency in the United Kingdom (n = 534 volunteers) show that volunteers who perceive that their roles are relationally designed (1) report lower intentions to leave their voluntary organization due to their commitment to the voluntary organization; and (2) dedicate more time to volunteering because they are more committed to the beneficiaries of their work. These findings make a theoretical contribution by uncovering two mechanisms that explain how the positive consequences of relational job design unfold. Keywords: Relational job design, Foci of commitment, Turnover intentions, Volunteer tim