Gramáticos y enseñanza 43

Figures 5.5 and 5.6 is the dependent variable. In Figure 5.5 the dependent variable is RTN while in Figure 5.6 the dependent variable is RTN1. The reason for bringing in two models was the outcome of the EFA (see Section 5.4). Furthermore the other difference between RTN and RTN1 is that although the theoretical underpinning for both the independent variables is similar and related to the concept of volunteer retention, the scales that measured the two are different. Thus two tests involving RTN and RTN1 separately as independent variables was considered useful to see whether any other underlying theoretical construct other than volunteer retention could be extracted through this process. Thus the same tests as outlined in Sections 5.7 and 5.8 were repeated. The factorized model is provided in Figure 5.14.

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Figure 5.14 Standardised estimates of the factorised model for RTN1

The corresponding readings for sample correlation, squared multiple correlation, standard covariance and goodness were analysed. This model in Figure 5.14 was further tested using SEM to check the causal relationship amongst the variables. The initial structural model tested is given in Figure 5.15. The regression estimates of the structural model produced by AMOS were inspected straightaway (Table 5.19).

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Figure 5.15 Initial structural model-RTN1

Regression Weights: (Initial structural model-RTN1)

Estimate S.E. C.R. P Label MOTIVAT <--- MP-1 .044 .094 .465 .642 par_28 MOTIVAT <--- MP-2 .117 .093 1.259 .208 par_30 MOTIVAT <--- MP-3 .027 .091 .302 .763 par_33 SATISFAC <--- MP-1 -.061 .078 -.773 .439 par_29 SATISFAC <--- MP-2 .140 .078 1.791 .073 par_31 SATISFAC <--- MP-3 .109 .075 1.444 .149 par_32 SATISFAC <--- MOTIVAT .237 .055 4.319 *** par_36 RTN1 <--- MOTIVAT .284 .144 1.979 .048 par_34 RTN1 <--- SATISFAC .279 .149 1.869 .062 par_35

Table 5.19 Standardised estimates - Regression weights for the initial structural model-RTN1

From Table 5.19 it can be seen that none of the relationships between management practice variables MP-1, MP-2 and MP-3 on the one hand and volunteer motivation and satisfaction on the other are significant as the p-value of significance with respect to those relationships have been found to be insignificant at values higher than 0.05. While two relationships namely MOTIVAT → SATISFAC (p-value significant at 0.01) and

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MOTIVAT → RTN1 (p-value significant at 0.048) have been found to be statistically significant, these relationships do not merit any attention as the main relationship between the management practice variables and, satisfaction and motivation leading to retention which are primary to this research are found to be statistically insignificant. Hence this model was not further investigated. This led to the conclusion that all the hypotheses H10 to H18 related to the initial structural model with RTN1 as dependent variable stand rejected. Thus in conclusion it can be seen that out of the two models given in Figures 5.5 and 5.6, the one in Figure 5.5 is accepted as it withstood the rigourous statistical analysis supported by theoretical arguments.

5.12 Summary

This chapter analysed the theoretical model developed for this research in Figures 3.2 and 3.3 through statistical methods to check the validity of the relationship between the variables. The original model developed by Cuskelly et al. (2006) did not yield statistically significant relationship between any of the five volunteer management practice constructs namely planning, recruitment, training and support, performance management and recognition, and volunteer retention. This confirmed that the initial model developed by Cuskelly et al. (2006) needs to be modified. Thus the second model developed for this research was tested. This involved factorising the management practice construct. EFA threw up multiple factors that needed consideration. Management Practice as a single independent variable was split into three independent factors namely Management Practice (MP-1) (Planning and Recruitment), Management Practice (MP-2) (Training and Support) and Management Practice (MP-3) (Recognition and Performance Management). Retention as a dependent variable was split into two dependent factors RTN and RTN1. Two models were carved out from the initial model, one with MP-1, MP-2 and MP-3 as independent variables and RTN as the dependent variable and the other with MP-1, MP-2 and MP-3 as independent variables and RTN1 as the dependent variable. While the model with RTN as dependent variable has been found to be significant and valid, the model with RTN1 as dependent variable has not been found to be valid. The re-specified model with MP-1, MP-2 and MP-3 as independent variables and RTN as dependent variable indicated that management practice variables MP-2 and

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MP3 are indirectly related to RTN through volunteer motivation and satisfaction. While MP-1 did not find any relationship to RTN, it was found to be significantly correlated to MP-2 and MP-3. Thus the findings of this chapter provided the basis for the discussions on the findings (Chapter 6).

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Discussions

6 Introduction

In this chapter the findings from the previous chapters have been discussed in detail and examined to know whether the results help the researcher to answer the research questions and support the hypotheses formulated for this research. Furthermore the chapter also brings out the uncovered aspects within the research. Additionally the chapter attempts to find out whether the model developed satisfies the goodness fit to the data or a more specific model needs to be generated to fit the data using statistical techniques. The discussions provide a detailed interpretation of the findings to enable the researcher to conclude on the causal link between management practice of the volunteering organisations and volunteer retention. Such a link could be very useful to managers in volunteering organisations to enhance the effectiveness of their management practices leading to longer retention of volunteers as well as enable volunteers to understand the effect of management practices on their volunteering activities. Here it must be noted that the discussions will focus on the re-specified model and hypotheses formulated under Section 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6.To begin with the chapter addresses the research questions followed by the verification of hypotheses.

6.1 RQ1: What are the underlying factors of volunteer management practice?