An analysis of the motivating potential of 4-H volunteer jobs compared to satisfaction and growth need expressed by New York 4-H volunteers

This study searched for information to help 4-H professionals manage volunteers in middle management jobs. The reactions of 4-H volunteers to their jobs were analyzed. Volunteers who performed supervisory tasks were defined as middle managers and compared with nonmiddle managers. The motivating potential of the job, five measures of expressed satisfaction and growth need strength were the key variables. A sample of 295 4-H volunteers returned a mailed questionnaire representing an 82.7 response rate. Middle managers as a group were not found to differ significantly from non-middle managers base on sex, age, education, tenure as volunteers, tenure in their present job or hours served. Middle managers were higher in the motivating potential of their job, their growth need strength and in benefit, growth and social satisfaction. The t-test was used to measure differences.