Towards Effective Volunteer Management: Understanding the Dynamics of Volunteers Motivation in Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs)

Abstract

Purpose The objective of this study is to examine the factors that drive people to volunteer and their expectations in terms of support from managers within Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs). Theory The study is based on particular emphasis of multidimensional approach of functional motivation theory, as well as the egoistic and altruistic motivation theory. Role Theory is utilised to examine volunteers' expectations of organisational leadership in order to enhance their experience. The theoretical framework proposed in this paper gives insights about what factors influence motivation levels of volunteers alongside what support from management volunteers expect. Method The study implemented a qualitative approach, with fifteen semi-structured interviews of which two were pilot ones from a purposive sampling. The respondents were active volunteers within the American Field Services (AFS) in Austria. Result The findings have shown that the volunteers participating in this study are influenced by a variety of motivational factors, among others, the social connections and relationships established during volunteer work, the skills developed, as well as altruistic motives, such as the intention to be reciprocal and to have a positive impact on the community.