Should volunteers be managed? Or is that anathema? Do volunteers seek reward? Or would they then become employees? Two of many questions asked often by those seeking to manage people who give their time and effort freely. Questions asked by those seeking to motivate volunteers and win their commitment.

This book sets out the actions needed by civil society organisations to achieve great things with volunteers. Importantly, it discusses the issues that managers of volunteers will inevitably encounter in striving for performance, productivity, and results.

This book builds practical models that managers of volunteers can follow to get the very best from their people. This first edition is right up to date, considering both the modern-day slow decline of volunteer numbers and the growth of tech and AI.

Many proclaim the value of leaders. Many revere entrepreneurs, as if that’s all that’s needed. And yet someone – the manager – must embrace leadership and be entrepreneurial while building and running their firm to meet stakeholder expectations. The manager structures the firm and hires and organises the people. They develop necessary technology. They motivate, develop, and reward their people, while ensuring their wellbeing. And they drive change, ultimately securing their firm’s productivity and sustainability.

This book details how management of the firm should be done. It builds practical models that managers can follow to get the very best out of their people. This third edition considers recent international events such as the COVID pandemic that have changed the very nature of work itself.

First published in 2018. Revised twice and now available as the 3rd edition published in 2023.

Click below to read more and access the contents and preface.