VOLUNTEERS MOTIVATION: PROPOSAL OF THEORETICAL MODEL

Abstract

The present study proposes a structural model to identify the reasons why individuals become volunteers. The empirical space was the Pastoral da Criança – social action agency of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) – a community-based institution that has its work based on Christian values like solidarity and the sharing of knowledge. The theoretical framework discusses the various concepts of volunteering presented by the foreign authors Wilson (2000); Clary, Snyder and Ridge (1992); Bussell and Forbes (2002); Cnaan, Handy and Wadsworth (1996) and Penner (2002); and by the authors Figueiredo (2005); Souza Lima and Marques (2008); Sampaio (2004); Souza and Carvalho (2006); Piccoli (2009) and Vervloet (2009) in the Brazilian context. The main theoretical references for the construction of the tested model was based on studies by Mostyn (1983) and the studies conducted by Carvalho e Souza (2006); Souza, Medeiros and Fernandes (2006); Souza et al. (2009, 2010) and Cavalcante et al. (2011a, 2011b, 2011c, 2011d). Data collection was done through a survey with 21 indicators, in two visits to cities from the Diocese of Pesqueira, Pernambuco. The first data collection occurred in the period between May 30 and June 3, 2011, in Buique/PE and the second collection happened in Pesqueira/PE, in St. Joseph Seminary, in the period between July 6 and July 8, 2011. Seven hundred twenty questionnaires were collected. The sample was divided into two parts. Exploratory Factor Analysis was applied to the first part and Confirmatory Factor Analysis – structural equation modeling – to the second half. The examination of the results achieved by the expectations enables the conclusion for validity and reliability of the proposed model. Therefore, the motivation of volunteers for Pastoral da Criança can be explained by a set of interactions among the five attributes tested: Altruistic, Affectionate, Amiable, Adjusted and Wise.

Volunteer work; Motivation in volunteer work; NGO management; Motivation; Third sector