MODULE CODE: HRPYC81
RESEARCH REPORT FOR PROJECT: 4809
ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: 42
TITLE OF STUDY: WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO DO VOLUNTEER WORK?
SURNAME: MACARTHUR INITIALS: CL
STUDENT NUMBER: 46567992
EXAMINATION PERIOD: 2016
1
,Content Page Number
1. Abstract 3
2. Literature Review 4
3. Research Rationale 6
4. Aim of the Research 7
5. Methodology 7
5.1 Research Design 7
5.2 Participants 10
5.3 Interviews 12
6. Data Analysis 13
7. Trustworthiness (Reliability/Validity) 16
8. Ethical Considerations 17
9. Results: Discussion of themes 20
9.1 Values 20
9.1.1 Making a difference: Social 21
transformation values
9.2 Enhancement 22
9.2.1 Self-esteem and well-being 22
9.2.2 Finding Purpose 23
9.3 Forging Friendships 24
9.4 Stressors: Challenges and constraints 24
within volunteering – and how they are
overcome
10. Conclusions 26
11. References 27
Appendix 1 Initial Themes 30
2
, WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO DO VOLUNTEER WORK?
1. Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore what motivates people to commit to volunteer
work and to elucidate their feelings, thoughts and experience of their duties. In light
of this, a qualitative interpretive approach was adopted. The researcher did this
using the interview method, comprising open-ended questioning of a small number
of participants. The method of analysis chosen was that of thematic analysis, to
discover underlying themes present across the data set and findings indicate that
altruism, egoism, civic responsibility and power through money were themes worthy
of discussion. In addition, volunteers indicated that through helping others, they were
able to help themselves, whether it be satisfying their own needs of validation and
affirmation, simply by making friends, or finding purpose in their own lives. Insight is
given into the challenges faced by the volunteers in their work and how participants
choose to overcome such. Ethical considerations are accounted for to ensure that
the welfare of the report was maintained.
3
RESEARCH REPORT FOR PROJECT: 4809
ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: 42
TITLE OF STUDY: WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO DO VOLUNTEER WORK?
SURNAME: MACARTHUR INITIALS: CL
STUDENT NUMBER: 46567992
EXAMINATION PERIOD: 2016
1
,Content Page Number
1. Abstract 3
2. Literature Review 4
3. Research Rationale 6
4. Aim of the Research 7
5. Methodology 7
5.1 Research Design 7
5.2 Participants 10
5.3 Interviews 12
6. Data Analysis 13
7. Trustworthiness (Reliability/Validity) 16
8. Ethical Considerations 17
9. Results: Discussion of themes 20
9.1 Values 20
9.1.1 Making a difference: Social 21
transformation values
9.2 Enhancement 22
9.2.1 Self-esteem and well-being 22
9.2.2 Finding Purpose 23
9.3 Forging Friendships 24
9.4 Stressors: Challenges and constraints 24
within volunteering – and how they are
overcome
10. Conclusions 26
11. References 27
Appendix 1 Initial Themes 30
2
, WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO DO VOLUNTEER WORK?
1. Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore what motivates people to commit to volunteer
work and to elucidate their feelings, thoughts and experience of their duties. In light
of this, a qualitative interpretive approach was adopted. The researcher did this
using the interview method, comprising open-ended questioning of a small number
of participants. The method of analysis chosen was that of thematic analysis, to
discover underlying themes present across the data set and findings indicate that
altruism, egoism, civic responsibility and power through money were themes worthy
of discussion. In addition, volunteers indicated that through helping others, they were
able to help themselves, whether it be satisfying their own needs of validation and
affirmation, simply by making friends, or finding purpose in their own lives. Insight is
given into the challenges faced by the volunteers in their work and how participants
choose to overcome such. Ethical considerations are accounted for to ensure that
the welfare of the report was maintained.
3
