Volunteerism and voice in quality circles

This study explored factors related to employees' willingness to join quality circles. We used Hirschman's (1970) Exit, Voice, Loyalty (EVL) model to compare workers who did and did not volunteer for quality circles in the maintenance division of a large midwestern university. Results indicate that volunteers are less satisfied with key aspects of their jobs but are committed to the organization. Volunteers chose to voice their dissatisfaction by joining groups they perceived would allow them to improve their work life. Implications of the tension between volunteers' rising expectations and the limited scope of quality circle participation are discussed.