Paid and unpaid labor in nonprofit organizations: Does the substitution effect exist?

Publication: Scientific journalJournal articlepeer-review

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Abstract

In non-profit organizations (NPOs), volunteers often work alongside paid workers. Such a co-production setting can lead to tension between the two worker groups. This article examines for the first time if and how volunteers influence the separation of paid employees, and thus it contributes to the debate over whether volunteers can substitute paid workers. Using Austrian data at the organizational level, we find a significant impact of volunteers on the separations of paid workers in NPOs facing increased competition. These findings support the assumption that a partial substitution effect exists between paid workers and volunteers.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)789 - 815
JournalBritish Journal of Industrial Relations
Volume53
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Bibliographical note

Updated version

Austrian Classification of Fields of Science and Technology (ÖFOS)

  • 502046 Economic policy
  • 502001 Labour market policy
  • 502023 NPO research
  • 509012 Social policy

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