Bridging Volunteer Competence and Retention Within the Malaysian National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA): A Conceptual Framework Integrating SCT and OST

Abstract

In Malaysia, volunteer involvement is a key pillar for the sustainability of community-based social initiatives particularly within the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) ecosystem. Volunteers in this specific setting have a wide range of responsibilities that include drug prevention, recovery support and social reintegration at the grassroots level. Although current literature confirms that specialized knowledge and situational adaptability drive short term performance, these characteristics alone rarely guarantee long-term volunteer retention. To bridge this gap, this conceptual study combines Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Organizational Socialization Theory (OST) to propose a theoretical framework by positioning communication as the key connecting pathway that translates basic volunteer competencies into ongoing psychological and behavioural commitments. Specifically, SCT explains how individuals improve their abilities through observational learning and self-efficacy, whereas OST explains how structured socialization processes reduce role uncertainty to accelerate cultural adaptation. By linking these two paradigms, the proposed framework clearly links volunteer competencies, communication and retention. This study details how feedback mechanisms, peer support networks and role clarity act as key drivers for strong organizational communication. Finally, this conceptual model provides a solid theoretical foundation for future empirical qualitative investigations while offering practical guidance for more optimal strategic alignment of volunteer program and retention management.