Commitment in NGOs : A Dual Case Study in Sweden

Abstract: Background: A successful organization is the one that recognizes the importance of its human element and take into account their commitment to ensure the attainment of its objectives. However, the focus into the study of commitment among workers is often directed towards for-profit organizations with NGOs receiving less attention. This HRM related issue accord several scholars, is said to be an important factor to be considered in order to ensure a successful organization be it for-profit or NGO. The issue of commitment among workers however tend to take several direction as the result of the multidimensional nature of organizations, hence the varying configurations of commitment mindset (Affective, Normative and Continuance) and the presence of various targets of commitment (e.g. organization, customers etc.) among workers. Aim: The aim of this thesis is to examine the commitment among workers in NGOs, by investigating the various targets of commitment among different categories of workers of NGOs in Sweden. The paper will further investigates whether the targets of commitment among the different categories of workers in NGOs differs and what influences these differences. Through the empirical cases, this thesis will provide appropriate guidance to ensure commitment among categories workers in NGOs and also contribute to previous research with regards to commitment among categories workers in NGOs. Methodology: The qualitative research approach was used in the conducting of this study. A dual case study was undertaken 12 semi-structured interviews with six from each case organization. Participants were drawn from the two main categories of workers in NGOs thus from volunteers and paid workers. Results: The conducted research study reveals there are differences in relations to the targets of commitment among the different categories of workers as well as thedisplay of the different types of commitment towards these targets. The guideline identified by this paper to ensure commitment among workers in NGOs should be a considerable amount of attention to workers development and recognition from the organization.