Volunteer Motives: In Their Own Words

Authors: Leeza Pantano, Maryalice Citera, Lars Ellwanger

SUNY Campus: SUNY New Paltz

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: UU 111

Presentation #: 75

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: Organizations rely on volunteers across various sectors, yet recruiting and retaining them remains a challenge. Understanding volunteer motivations can help organizations sustain a committed volunteer base. This study qualitatively explores volunteer motives through 39 structured interviews at an environmentally focused nature preserve. Volunteers engaged in various indoor and outdoor roles. Qualitative coding identified 13 motivation categories. Interrater reliability conducted on 10 interviews yielded a 91.84 percent agreement. The most frequently cited motivation was intrinsic interest (90 percent), followed by paying it forward (59 percent) and affiliation with the preserve (59 percent). Social interaction was also crucial, as volunteers valued connections with like-minded individuals. While extrinsic rewards were noted, long-term engagement was primarily driven by intrinsic rewards. These findings highlight the gray area between initial incentives and sustained commitment. While external rewards may attract volunteers, long-term retention depends on intrinsic satisfaction and meaningful engagement. Organizations can enhance volunteer engagement by aligning roles with passions, fostering social connections, and recognizing contributions. Limitations include a focus on positive experiences and the inability to distinguish between initial and sustained motivations. Future research should explore how volunteer leaders influence long-term engagement. Understanding these factors enables organizations to create fulfilling volunteer experiences, ensuring a motivated volunteer base.