Volunteers are now an integral part of service provision in many welfare states, performing various tasks at nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and libraries, including tasks previously performed by professionals. However, recent research shows that many professionals view volunteers as threats to their job and/or service quality, creating poor staff-volunteer relationships, and undermining service delivery. The purpose of this project is to explore whether – and how – management tools can reduce professionals’ threat perceptions and turn reluctance into willingness to co-produce public services. 

How can government agencies effectively communicate information about policies and prompt actions among citizens and businesses? Using the case of environmental information, this project focuses on how various forms of visual and verbal communication can help government agencies better engage citizens and businesses and encourage them to be stewards of a safe and healthy environment. The project is conducted in partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).