RECRUITMENT, TRAINING, POSITION ARRANGEMENT, ASSESSMENT AND INCENTIVE FACTORS INFLUENCING VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT MODEL OF ZHENGKAI INTERNATIONAL MARATHON IN CHINA

Abstract In recent years, marathon has developed rapidly in China, and marathon volunteers have been given a new mission as an important part of the national fitness volunteer service. The objective of this research were: 1) To study the current situation and affecting factors of Zhengkai International Marathon volunteer management in China. 2) To analyze factors positive effect the volunteer management model for the Zhengkai International Marathon in China. 3) To examine and confirm the volunteer management model of Zhengkai International Marathon in China. This research employed a mixed research methodology combibing qualitative and quantitative. For the qualitative research part, in-depth interviews are conducted with 21 insiders, including leaders of the competent departments of Zhengkai International Marathon, experts in sports event management and event volunteer managers. In the quantitative research part, the sample consisted of 440 volunteers who participated in Zhengkai International Marathon in 2023 and were sampled proportioned according to different post Settings. Data were obtained through questionnaire survey. Amos software were used to conduct quantitative establish structural equation model (SEM). Another qualitative analysis was conducted through a 15-person focus group consisting of road running experts of the Athletics Association, leaders of the Zheng Kai International Marathon, and relevant race point leaders to verify and discuss the model. The research findings revealed that: 1) China Zhengkai International Marathon has developed rapidly and has its own characteristics, but there is still room for improvement in volunteer organization and management. 2) Volunteer recruitment, training, post arrangement, assessment and incentive positive affect the volunteer management model of Zheng Kai Marathon. Volunteer satisfaction played a mediating role, all fitting parameters of the model are within the acceptable range, and all hypotheses are valid. 3) Through experts the focus group discussion, the volunteer management model of Zhengkai International Marathon has been examined and confirmed, and the volunteer management model of Zhengkai International Marathon can be promoted and applied. The research results can directly provide reference for marathon volunteer management organizations in China, and enrich the theoretical research of marathon volunteer human resource management practice.