VOLUNTEER HORSEPOWER

Abstract

Over the last decade there has been an emerging trend to arrange and stage events. To most events, outside help in the form of volunteer work is necessary. Volunteerism in combination with motivation has not received much attention in the literature although it is an important aspect in event settings. Consequently, two in-depth case studies were conducted to focus on what motives drive volunteers to join an event, as well as what make them remain in the organization. Therefore, the focal point of the research is on volunteers from the Gothenburg Horse Show (GHS), and the Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC). The main findings are: that volunteers at both events portrayed signs of altruistic and egoistic motives; that the initial motive for volunteering often is the need to affiliate with, and the wish to identify with the event; that personal motives have more impact for individuals who have participated longer; and that motives changed over time. It is concluded that even though new preferences and outcomes emerged over time, social motives remained important. Finally, the reward, competence and pride motives appeared to be the least significant motives for volunteering.