The management of spontaneous volunteers: A successful model from a flood emergency in Italy

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the management of spontaneous volunteers, mainly led by a local non-profit organisation, during the flood emergency that occurred in Central Italy in May 2014. The purpose of the study is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the aforementioned management, in order to elaborate on a model that may be developed further through comparisons with other case studies and applications in the context of other emergencies. This case study reiterates the importance of spontaneous volunteers during emergencies, and their appropriate management is crucial in achieving an efficient and effective volunteer service, even though it may be administered by a non-official responder organisation. In this study, the management of spontaneous volunteers was firstly investigated through a brief literature review. Thereafter, a case study was modelled by the application of the type zero method of integration definition for function modelling language, and conduct of interviews and surveys. Finally, the built model was evaluated according to major guides and manuals on this topic. Consequently, the result of the study may be adopted and utilised by other organisations engaged in similar emergencies. Moreover, it can serve as a starting point for further research and development of policies and guidelines for emergency response.