Using volunteers for IT work

摘要

Voluntary organizations (VOs) offer important services the private and public sectors cannot or will not provide. Unfortunately, VOs tend not to use information technology (IT) to the extent they could, and so don't receive the benefits IT offers. One problem is that many VOs must rely on volunteers for IT support. This paper examines the challenges using IT volunteers creates, including limits in availability, expertise, commitment, organizational knowledge, and equipment ownership. A framework for discussing the effectiveness of IT volunteers is presented. Research questions arising from the framework are identified.