Designing a Model for Managing Volunteer Forces in the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation

The purpose of this study was to provide a model for managing volunteer forces in the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation (grounded theory).  In the present study, the grounded theory method has been used. The statistical population consisted of experts and professors who were knowledgeable in the field of management and could provide valuable information to the researcher. The research sample was selected through chain sampling method (snowball). Data were collected through 15 semi-structured interviews with professors and experts selected by purposive sampling. The data were analyzed through three stages of open, axial and selective coding.  A model including 5 dimensions, 13 main categories and 41 sub-categories was presented and validated by members' check. Categories are as following: Causal conditions (Having monotheistic faith, having organizational faith, believing in the philosophy of the organization, paying attention to both material and spiritual aspects, having faith and commitment, belief in Velayat-e-Faqih, adhering to revolutionary values, paying attention to Islamic values, paying attention to the value of human relations). Underlying conditions (Respect for members, strengthening self-confidence in the group, strengthening self-confidence in the group, cooperation and team spirit, forming an effective team, division of labor among members, talking to employees, verbal communication, respect for the feelings of others, understanding the position of others). Interfering factors (Determining a clear mission and goal, having a vision, comprehensive knowledge of the organization, problem analysis, quality decision making, prudence and rational decision making, understanding the rules of the organization, the ability to communicate multilaterally, the ability to adjust the rules). Strategies (Develop dynamic methods of recruitment, synergy, training of subordinates, keeping employees up to date, involvement in decisions). Consequences (Retaining the old volunteer forces, attracting new volunteer forces, improving the level of organizational culture, creating a suitable work environment for volunteers, creating a favorable atmosphere in the organization, growing the participatory spirit, growing synergy, growing solidarity). Also, a comprehensive and inclusive model that covers all the contextual, environmental, technical and informational aspects related to the recruitment of volunteers in the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation was found as a central category. It is necessary to pay attention to the volunteer forces in the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, which requires paying attention to issues such as respect for members, team spirit, training subordinates, strengthening organizational culture, creating a favorable organizational atmosphere.