An Investigation in to what attracts and motivates volunteers

An Investigation in to what attracts and motivates

volunteers

Rachel O’Dwyer

A dissertation submitted in part of the requirement for the

Bachelor of Business (Hon) Degree in Recreation and Sports

Management

May 2019

Department of Sport and Exercise Science

School of Health Sciences

Waterford Institute of Technology

Supervisor: Dr Sean Connor

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Statement of Originality and Ownership of Work

Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Science

BB (Hons) Recreation and Sports Management

Name (block capitals)………………………………………..

I confirm that all the work submitted in this dissertation is my own work, not copied from

any other person’s work (published or unpublished) and that it has not previously been

submitted for assessment on any other course, in any other institution.

Signed…………………………………………………

Date……………………………………………….…..

Student Number………………………………………

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Acknowledgements

Firstly, I would like to thank Dr Sean Connor for his constant support and guidance while

writing this thesis. For any future fourth year student reading this who may have Sean as a

supervisor, number 1 Sean does not do Mondays and number 2, never look for Sean in his

office because he is never there, but when you do meet him, it is always entertaining.

I would like to thank Dr Paddy Delaney and all the lecturers in the Department of Sport and

Exercise Science, for the constant support and memories over my four years in WIT.

Thank you to all the participants who took part in this study, it would not have been possible

without ye.

To the class of Rec Man 2018/19, I have met some great people, friends for life, thank you

for the memories.

To my friends and family, thank you for always believing in me and for being there for me

throughout my years in WIT.

To Aoife and Ciara, thank you for the fond memories over the last 4 year, ye have really

made my college experience most enjoyable. The constant support and encouragement is

really appreciated.

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Table of Contents

Statement of Originality and Ownership of Work ii

Acknowledgements iii

Abstract vii

Overview: vii

Methods: vii

Results: vii

Conclusion: vii

Introduction 1

1. Literature Review 4

1.1 What is volunteering? 4

1.2 Demographics of volunteers. 4

1.3 Gender Difference in volunteering 5

1.4 What age group of people are most likely to volunteer. 6

1.5 Motivation and Satisfaction of volunteers 6

1.6 Recruitment, Rewarding and retaining volunteers 7

1.7 Rationale 11

1.8 Aim 11

1.9 Research Questions 11

2. Methodology 13

2.1 Research Design 13

2.2 Population and Sampling 13

2.3 Variables and Concepts 13

2.4 Data Collection Methods 15

2.5 Procedures 15

2.6 Data Analysis 16

2.7 Coding Thematic Analysis 16

2.8 Ethical Consideration 16

3. Presentation of Results 18

3.1 Overview of chapter 18

3.2 Profile of Participants 18

3.3 Research Question 1 20

3.4 Demographics 20

3.5 Gender difference of volunteers 21

3.6 Types of Volunteering 22


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3.8 Recognition 23

3.9 Future Employment Opportunities 25

3.10 Enjoyment 25


3.12 Recruitment 27

3.13 Rewarding 28

3.14 Retaining 29

3.15 Conclusion 30

4. Discussion of Results 32

4.1 Introduction 32


Who is the demographic profile of volunteers? 32

4.3 Demographics of volunteers 32

4.4 Gender Difference of Volunteers 32

4.5 Age of Volunteers 33

4.6 Type of Volunteering 33


What motivates volunteers to stay volunteering and are they satisfied? 34

4.8 Recognition 34

4.9 Enjoyment 34

4.10 Job Satisfaction 34

4.11 Future Employment Opportunities 35


How are volunteers recruited, rewarded and retained by these organizations? 36

4.13 Recruitment 36

4.14 Rewarding 36

4.15 Retaining 37

4.16 Limitations 38

4.17 Conclusion 39

4.18 Further Research 39

Reference List 42

Appendices 46

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Table of figures

Figure 1: Demographic profile of volunteers. 20 Figure 2: Motivation and Satisfaction of volunteers. 23 Figure 3: Recruitment, Rewarding and Retaining of Volunteers. 27

List of Appendices

Appendix A Consent Form

Appendix B Research Clearance Form

Appendix C Interview Topic Guide

Appendix D Transcripts

List of Acronyms

3RS Recruitment, Rewarding, Retaining

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Abstract

Overview: The aim of this research was to investigate what attracts and motivates people to

volunteer. This research examined the demographic profile of volunteers, the motivation and

satisfaction and the recruitment, rewarding and retaining of volunteers within different

organizations.

Methods: The study was carried out using a phenomenological approach. Using a semi-

structured interview approach, six volunteers both male and female were interviewed. The

participants have been or are still involved in volunteering. Thematic content analysis was

used to analyse the data received during the interview process.

Results: This research found that individuals are more willing to volunteer on a short-term

basis rather than committing to it long-term. Volunteers are most satisfied in this area of work

when they are acknowledged and recognized for the work that they put in. What motivates

individuals to get involved in volunteer work is the aspect of future employment

opportunities and gaining and developing new skills and qualities that could benefit them in

the future. A simple token of appreciation is a key element for retaining volunteers. Giving

them the opportunity to upskill in their chosen area also keeps them interested. Most people

who are volunteering are recruited through their own experience within the organization, the

sense of giving something back is a huge factor.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that volunteering is becoming more and more popular

amongst the younger generation. The findings suggest that young people are willing to

engage in volunteering more on a once off basis rather than long term. Long- term

volunteering is on the decrease with more people willing to get involved in episodic

volunteering.

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Introduction

Volunteering can be defined as an activity which takes place through not for profit

organizations or projects is undertaken: to be the benefit to the community and the volunteer;

of the volunteer’s own free will and without coercion; and is designated volunteer positions

only (Hassan and Lusted, 2013). This study investigates what attracts and motivates

volunteers to get involved in volunteering. Volunteering is becoming increasingly popular

amongst the younger generation within today’s society. Past research has stated that it is

typically older people who volunteer within different organizations. As stated by Schlesinger,

Egil and Nagel, (2013), volunteering is most common in the sports industry amongst middle

aged men. The increased emphasis on volunteering has increased the number in people

involved especially due to the benefits it has when seeking future employment. The younger

generation are slowly taking over some organization with the older people moving out.

Episodic volunteering is becoming more popular amongst volunteers. People are more

willing to volunteer on a once off basis rather than getting involved over a long-term period.

Although, there is still many people volunteering long-term which this current study shows.

The participants involved in the study volunteer both short and long term but highlight

throughout the interview process that episodic volunteering is becoming more popular.

This study highlights the involvement of both male and females in volunteer activities and

shows that male and females are now equal in the areas of involvement. Females are typically

linked with hidden volunteering and males tend to the sports clubs, but the current study

shows, with the different strategies in place from Sport Ireland that this perception that people

have is now changing to give males and females equal opportunities in volunteering.

A lot of the organizations would be lost without the help of their volunteers. This current

study highlights the factors that motivate individuals to get involved in volunteering and if

they are satisfied in this area of work. The satisfaction volunteers get from their involvement

is a reflection on their experience. The recognition they receive for the hard work they have

contributed to the organization is a key factor to keep volunteers involved. Organizations

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want to hold on to the good volunteers for as long as they can. The current study shows the

recognition the volunteers receive motivates them to stay involved.

The current study aims to explore the strategies in place for the recruitment, rewarding and

retaining of volunteers. This study shows that many of those who are involved in volunteering

whether short or long term, get involved through their own previous involvement in the

organization. Volunteers are often rewarded with small tokens of appreciation to show them

the work they put in is acknowledged. A simple thank you goes a long way. Many

organizations want to hold on to their volunteers, so they retain them by giving them the

opportunity to upskill or give them the opportunity of full-time employment in the area.

The following chapters of this dissertation involve a review of literature based on the chosen

topic, the methodology used to conduct this study and the results that emerged during the

data collection process. Finally, the discussion chapter include recommendations for further

research, limitations and a conclusion.

Chapter One

Review of

Literature

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1. Literature Review

This study focuses on people volunteering within different organizations across Ireland. For

the study both sport and charitable organizations are examined. The researcher looked at the

differences in the people volunteering within these different organizations. In this study, the

researcher looked at the socio-demographic of volunteers, motivation, satisfaction of

volunteers and the strategies that organizations have in place for the recruitment, rewarding

and retaining of their volunteers. There is past research carried out on volunteers but in this

study the researcher focused on the differences in the work of volunteers in sport and

charitable organizations and looked at the kind of people most likely to volunteer in these

organizations. The researcher also investigated what motivates volunteers and find out why

they do it and are they satisfied in this area.

1.1 What is volunteering? As stated by Hassan and Lusted, (2013), volunteering can be defined as an activity which

takes place through not for profit organisations or projects is undertaken: to be the benefit to

the community and the volunteer; of the volunteer’s own free will and without coercion and

is designated volunteer positions only. It is said by Cnaan & Handy, (2005), that there is an

increase in episodic volunteering which is referred to as volunteering on a once off basis and

there is a decrease in long term volunteering within organisations. As stated by Hyde, Dunn,

Bax, & Chambers, (2016), the numbers of people volunteering on a once off basis has been

increasing day by day.

1.2 Demographics of volunteers. There has been an increased emphasis on volunteers. A lot of younger people today are eager

to get involved in volunteer work to put it on their curriculum vitae which could lead to future

career opportunities. Research has been carried out on several topics to do with volunteering.

Davies, Lockstone-Benney & Holmes, (2018), carried out a study on who are future

volunteers of rural areas which had a key focus on the demographic’s and background

characteristics of non-retired volunteers. Research shows that it is typically older people aged

35 years plus who are involved in volunteering in communities today. As stated by

Schlesinger, Egil and Nagel, (2013), volunteering is most common especially in the sports

sector amongst middle aged men than the

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younger and older adults. Those people that are volunteering are in the sports sector may

have been involved in the sport growing up and now wants to give something back to the

club or may have children involved in the club, so they give a helping hand. People who are

living within the community for several years are most likely to volunteer in that area rather

than the newer residents. It allows them to feel they are giving something back to the

community and they also know the needs of the community. A lot more people now a days

will commit to volunteering on a once of basis rather than long term based on the time that

some of these organizations may need the volunteer for. There remains a gap in knowledge

about the how the intensity and the nature of volunteering relates to the demographic factors

as a sense of belonging in the community.

1.3 Gender Difference in volunteering For this research, the researcher investigated the gender difference in those who are

volunteering. Do men volunteer more or are both men and women equal when it comes to be

involved in volunteer activities? A study carried out by Marshall and Tanigichi, (2011),

shows that men and woman are equal when it comes to volunteering. It is seen that having a

“good” job promotes volunteering amongst men and woman. As mentioned above the

researcher looked at both sport and charitable organization and wanted to find out who

volunteers in these different areas. Are men more involved in sport rather than other

organizations or vice versa? There is very little knowledge available as to how the

relationship between paid work and volunteer work may differ between men and woman.

Nowadays, women are finding themselves in traditional male dominated jobs in the labour

force. They are working highly paid and skilled jobs than what it would have been like many

years ago. As stated by Schlesinger, Egil and Nagel, (2013), the most frequently analysed

socio demographic variables is age and gender. It is said that volunteering in the sports sector

is most common in middle aged men than what it is to younger adults and females. Thus,

females are more involved in hidden volunteering which includes looking after elderly family

members, neighbours and friends as well as volunteering within different organizations

within the community. Females who are working part-time work are those who volunteer

while with men they volunteer regardless of the kind of work that they do outside of their

volunteer role. By carrying out this research, the researcher wanted to find out if there is a

difference in the gender of volunteers across the different organizations that will be used to

conduct this research.

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1.4 What age group of people are most likely to volunteer. When it comes to volunteering, we predominately see older adults volunteering within the

different organisations. (Higgins, Arnott & Douglas, 2015). The age profile of volunteers is

typically aged 35 years plus. This is gradually changing especially in the sports sector. There

are more and more younger people getting involved in some volunteer work in some shape

of form. There is an increased emphasis on volunteering. More and more of the younger

generation want to get volunteer work on their curriculum vitae which could lead to future

career opportunities (Handy, Cnaan, Hustink, et.al, 2010). The is a high percentage of the

youth of today volunteering, especially within their sports clubs, this could be coaching,

refereeing underage games or simply just giving a helping hand to coaches that are already

there. It is easier to get the younger generation involved in episodic volunteering which is

volunteering on a once off basis. Less and less people are involved in long-term volunteering

today. This is due to the increased cost of living and mobility. Episodic volunteering is

crucial when large numbers of volunteers are needed over a short period of time. In this

situation younger adults are best suited for the position as they are more willing to get

involved on a once off basis. Thus, we still see older adults volunteering in several ways.

They are involved in hidden, episodic and long-term volunteering. Again, the number of

long-term volunteers is slowly decreasing. For this research, the researcher investigated the

differences in the age of volunteers volunteering within the sport sector and the chosen

organizations that will be used for this study.

1.5 Motivation and Satisfaction of volunteers When volunteers get involved in different organisations, they must be satisfied with what

they are doing. Some volunteers need to be motivated to stay volunteering otherwise they

may lose interest very quickly. It is important for organizations to have strategies in place to

keep their volunteers motivated. People who volunteer are giving up their own free time to

get involved and put a lot of energy into the work that they do. A lot of these organizations

would be lost without the help of their volunteers. Wang and Xuan, (2014), state that

understanding how to keep volunteers involved is key for organizations. Volunteers need to

be acknowledged and rewarded for the work that they do. The researcher wanted to find out

what strategies are put in place in organizations in Ireland to motivate their volunteers and

are the volunteers within these areas motivated enough. Schlesinger, et.al., (2013), describes

voluntary work as an exchange of time and effort for different rewards compared to those

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from work. When volunteers get involved in an organization, they bring their own needs and

expectations that need to be met by the organization. Commitment from the volunteer can be

influenced by the way the specific working conditions match these subjective expectations.

Individual job satisfaction reflects a volunteer’s expectations and experiences and volunteer

job satisfaction is an outcome of these expectations. Job satisfaction is realized when

expectations are met. Kim, Fredline & Cuskelly, (2018), states that volunteers are most likely

to engage with events if they are satisfied with the experiences and then they are going to be

satisfied if their needs are met by the organization. It is important to understand what

motivates volunteers and meet the needs of volunteers that they are seeking through their

participation in the organization. Volunteers need to be satisfied with the work that they are

involved with for them to stay involved over a long period of time. Motivations of a volunteer

could be formed by attitudes, beliefs, values and personality. These different factors need to

be considered when trying to motivate volunteers within organizations. Organizations can

meet the needs of their volunteers by rewarding them for the time and effort they put into

their work for the organization whether it be on the sports field or simply just giving a helping

hand to their elderly neighbour.

1.6 Recruitment, Rewarding and retaining volunteers Volunteers can be recruited in many ways. They could have been previous volunteers in

projects before, family or friends are involved in volunteering, so they want to get involved

or it could be just simply wanting to give a helping hand to a chosen area. Taylor and Morgan,

(2017), says that the most common way of recruiting is word of mouth. This can be achieved

by just asking someone to get involved in voluntary activities. Many of those who are

volunteering may have someone involved in the organization or club already, so they are

following in their footsteps. Organizations need to recruit people who are willing to work as

a team and who can take control of the job when needed. It is essential for organizations to

develop recruiting strategies to understand how potential volunteers obtain information

regarding opportunities for potential volunteer positions. It is said that low income groups

are likely to receive information about volunteer opportunities through mass media rather

than other sources. While moderate income holders receive information from organizational

outlets. (DeWitt Watts and Edwards, 1983). For this research, the researcher wanted to find

out how effective are the recruitment strategies that are in place in these chosen organizations.

Do they work and if not, how can they change to get as many people involved as they can?

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As stated by Gotzelmann, (2016), volunteering can be rewarding. Once the volunteers are

recruited, the organization must then reward them for the work they do within the

organization. Which is similar in paid employment. They need to feel like their work is being

acknowledged and appreciated to keep them involved over a long period of time. Volunteers

can be rewarded in numerous ways. These may include, simply saying thank you, rewarding

them with a small gift of appreciation which might be within a sports club a piece of sports

gear. All organizations need to reward their volunteers to keep them involved if possible.

Thus, Holmes & Smith, (2010), states that providing future training for volunteers keeps

them involved for a long period of time, if they feel like they are getting something back

from the organization that they are involved with. The training that they provide to

volunteers, for example a coaching course, this could lead to future employment options for

the person. Giving the volunteer a small token of appreciation once they finish a project is

not that much to ask for. Johnson, Giannoulakis, Felver, Judge, David, & Scott, (2017),

believe that some people that volunteer just volunteer to feel like they are giving something

back to the community and do not need to be rewarded for them to stay involved.

Volunteering is an activity satisfying of itself. Although, there are still people that need to be

rewarded for them to feel like the work that they do is appreciated and to keep them involved

in the activity. In this study, the researcher wanted to get an understanding of the different

methods used to reward volunteers which could help with retaining their volunteers.

Retaining volunteers within an organization can be hard at times. As mentioned before by

Cnaan and Handy, (2005), there is an increase in episodic volunteering which means

volunteering on a once off basis and a decrease in long-term volunteering. A lot more people

are only committing to episodic volunteering nowadays. Harrison, Xiao, Ott, & Botree,

(2017), carried out surveys to see how the role of stewardship and involvement plays a role

in organisations for retaining and satisfying their volunteers. Organisations need to build

relationships with their volunteers, so it makes it easier for them to work towards a common

goal. Volunteers give so much time and energy into these non-profit organisations. By having

stewardship within these organisations, volunteers know they are valued, their efforts are

acknowledged, and they can fully connect with the organisation which results to increased

involvement. The higher the volunteer involvement, the stronger the relationship is between

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the volunteer and the organisation. Karl, Peluchutte and Hall, (2008), says that given the

importance of retaining volunteers, it is important that organisations create an internal

marketing plan focused on increasing volunteer commitment and loyalty. Organisations

should focus on the 4Ps of marketing. Product referring to the whole volunteer experience,

price being the monetary and non-monetary costs of volunteering, place- the ease of donation

of time and effort that the volunteer needs to give while being involved and promotion refers

to the communication between the organisation and the volunteer. Focusing on these different

factors help to retain volunteers within the organisation especially if the needs and the

volunteer experience expectations are met. Increasing volunteer retention is a critical task for

volunteer managers of most events and organisations. (Kim, Trail, Lim & Kim, 2009).

As there is an increased emphasis on volunteering among the younger generation, Sport

Ireland has brought forward a volunteering strategy to consider issues around recruitment,

retention and recognition. They need to recognise the gradients that exist in volunteering and

how to address the challenges to sustain and grow their volunteer base. Different actions were

put in place to enhance volunteer engagement in the sports industry in Ireland. (Dttas,2018).

Some of these actions include, newer forms of volunteer engagement will be encouraged that

stimulates active and social participation that are suited to modern times. Sport Ireland expect

to introduce an annual volunteer budget which will help provide training for the volunteers

working in the sports industry. These may include, child welfare, disability awareness, sport

administration, governance and fundraising. As mentioned previously by Holmes & Smith,

(2010), providing the volunteers with training keeps them involved longer as it may lead to

future employment in the field. Another action that Sport Ireland will take will be working

with the corporate sector to support volunteering in sport among employees. This action

should benefit employers as well given that volunteering can help individuals to develop

skills which they can use to their advantage in future careers. Although there are many

positive aspects to volunteering there can be challenges.

Challenges that need to be addressed by Sport Ireland are gender, age, social gradients. It is

seen that men dominate key management and development roles. For example, coach and

club officials. The level of volunteering is said to decline among older adults and become

more popular among the younger people.

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People with high income and those who have a high level of education have the resources to

volunteer more. Peoples busy lifestyles tend to challenge their time available. People just do

not have time to volunteer anymore. Therefore, long-term volunteering levels have decreased

and there is an increase in episodic as it takes up less time. (Rochester, Paine, Howlett,

Zimmick & Paine,2016).

Sport Ireland are trying to encourage greater diversity with our volunteer cohort in line with

changing population profile. These actions should also help in the efforts to narrow the

gradient in active participation. By having these included in the sports strategy from 2018-

2027 this may help get more volunteers included within the sports industry.

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1.7 Rationale The rationale for this research was to investigate what attracts and motivates volunteers

within organizations in Ireland. There is a lot of research based on people volunteering in

different countries but very little on the reality of volunteering in Ireland. (Reasoner, Mihir

and Donald, 2018). There are plenty of facts and figure on Irish volunteers, but we are yet to

get an insight on the kind of people volunteering. For this research, the researcher focused

on the demographics of the volunteers, age and gender. How is it that volunteers are recruited

to these organisations? The researcher looked at the different strategies used to recruit,

reward and retain volunteers within these organisations and methods of keeping involved for

as long as they possibly can. Satisfaction and motivation of volunteers is very important for

an organisation to understand. There is no updated research on how organisations motivate

and satisfy their volunteers within Ireland. Therefore, the researcher wanted to find out what

these organisations do to motivate and satisfy their volunteers. Looking at these different

variables will help give the researcher a better understanding on the reality of volunteering

in different organisations in Ireland.

1.8 Aim The aim of this research was to analyse volunteers within organisations and to get a better

understanding of why they do it, are they satisfied and motivated in this area and to get an

understanding on the methods used to recruit, reward and retain volunteers in these areas.

1.9 Research Questions 1. Who is the demographic profile of volunteers?

2. What motivates volunteers to stay volunteering and are they satisfied?

3. How are volunteers recruited, rewarded and retained by these organisations?

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Chapter Two

Methodology

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2. Methodology 2.1 Research Design To conduct this research, a qualitative research design using a phenomenological approach

was used. This phenomenological approach looks at the experiences of the people while

being involved in structured volunteering. Phenomenology can be defined as an attempt to

describe the basic structures of human experience and understanding it from the first-person

point of view. (Merleau-Ponty, 2012).

2.2 Population and Sampling For this research, both male and female volunteers working in different areas were analysed.

The researcher looked at all age groups, from teenagers to older adults. The research was

carried out in six different organizations across the South East region.

2.3 Variables and Concepts Throughout this study, the researcher looked at the demographics, satisfaction, motivation

and the recruitment, rewarding and retaining of volunteers.

➢ Looking at the demographics, the focus was on age, gender and general

background information about the persons occupation, profession and culture.

The researcher looked at the difference in age groups that are volunteering.

➢ Questions such as, is it mostly younger or older people that are volunteering in

these organisations? The researcher wanted to find out who it is that is

volunteering in these organisations.

➢ Throughout the study, gender difference in volunteering is a key area. Looking at

the different kinds of volunteering that people get involved in, is the work the

men volunteer in different to what woman get involved in or are they similar.

Marshall and Taniguchi, (2011), looks at the gender differences when it comes to

volunteering and the gender influence for job characteristic when it comes to

volunteering.

➢ For the study, the researcher looked at general background information of the

volunteers, looking at their occupation and culture in which they come from.

Research has shown by Holmes, (2010), that there is a lot more woman involved

in volunteering than men. The researcher wanted to understand these concepts by

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talking to the volunteers themselves through semi-structured interviews which

were carried out.

➢ Another concept that was a key area for this study was the satisfaction and motivation

of volunteers. Jacobson, Carlton & Monroe, (2012) said that organisations that

understand what motivates and satisfies their volunteers can better their volunteer

opportunities, increase participation and improve volunteer retention. The researcher

looked at the different methods used by each of the organisations chosen on how they

motivate and satisfy their volunteers. Questions were asked to the volunteers

themselves, are they satisfied in their role and how are they motivated to stay in their

chosen area. It is important for these organisations to understand what their volunteers

need for them to work harder and feel like their work is being appreciated for them

to stay volunteering.

➢ The final concept that the researcher focused on for this study was the 3Rs of

volunteering. Recruitment, rewarding and retaining of volunteering. This area

focused on the different methods that organisations use to recruit, retain and reward

their volunteers. The researcher found out how people get involved in volunteering,

is it through their clubs, following in family or friends’ footsteps or how is it that they

are getting involved. The different methods for rewarding and retaining volunteers is

a key area for this study. Volunteers were asked how they are rewarded and retained

within the organisations, are they provided with training that could lead to future

employment or what methods do the organisation use for the volunteers to stay if they

do.

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2.4 Data Collection Methods Each of the variables and concepts listed above were investigated through semi-structured

interviews. The researcher carried out six interviews with different volunteers from different

organisations. Questions were asked based on the variables and concepts, trying to get a clear

picture of what the experience of a volunteer is like. Using the method of interviews is best

because it would be hard to get the full experience of the volunteer through questionnaires or

a survey. Interviews are useful for getting the story behind people’s experiences. You can get

in-depth information around the topic. It helps get the full story of their experience while

volunteering.

Sample questions that were asked during the semi- structured interviews were:

❖ Why do you volunteer?

❖ How did you first get involved in volunteering?

❖ What motivates you to volunteer?

❖ Are you satisfied as a volunteer?

❖ Does the organisation that you are involved with meet your needs as a volunteer?

2.5 Procedures Permission was granted by the Department of Sport and Exercise Science in Waterford

Institute of Technology. Once the permission was granted, six volunteers were selected by

the researcher to take part in the study. The researcher then carried out mock interviews with

members of the class to make sure the questions in the interview were ok before carrying out

the interviews with the six volunteers. Once the interviews were finished and finalised after

any changes that needed to be made, the interview process started with volunteers from the

different. Transcribing of all interview scripts then took place. Once all these steps were

completed, all volunteers who participated in the interviews for the study were contacted to

make sure they still wanted to be included before the study is finalised.

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2.6 Data Analysis This study used qualitative methods to gather information. Thematic content analysis codes

were translated from the transcripts and organized into relevant themes for presentation.

Thematic analysis as defined by Braun, Clarke and Terry, (2014), is a method of identifying,

analysing and interpreting patterned meanings of “themes” in qualitative data. These themes

included why do people volunteer, who is that is volunteering in these organisations, the

motivation and satisfaction of volunteering and the recruitment, rewarding and retaining of

volunteers. The researcher also expected to see an increase in episodic volunteering and a

decrease in long-term volunteering.

2.7 Coding Thematic Analysis In the next section, each research question was answered with the relevant themes that were

identified during the coding process. The coding process involved putting together categories

that arose during the interviews and placing the themes into similar groups. There were three

general dimensions identified from the original data. These include, the demographics of

volunteers, motivation and satisfaction and the recruitment, rewarding and retaining of

volunteers. From these both higher order and lower order themes are broken down and quotes

are added to back this up.

2.8 Ethical Consideration Throughout this research there was no physical risk involved. Confidentiality of the people

that are interviewed was kept disclosed. No personal information about the person was

included in the study. The interviewees were given the option to opt in and opt out of the

study at any stage and all information about the person that was gathered was destroyed. Data

collected throughout the study was stored away in a safe place and people taking part in the

study remained anonymous throughout.

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Chapter Three

Presentation of

Results

18

3. Presentation of Results 3.1 Overview of chapter The overall objective of this study was to investigate the factors which both attracts and

motivates volunteers. The following chapter presents a profile of the participants that were

involved in the study along with an overview of the themes that emerged from the interviews.

The results from this study are discussed under the heading of each research question. The

findings of this study focused specifically on the demographics of volunteers, the motivation

and satisfaction and the recruitment, rewarding and retaining of volunteers. Using the

qualitative method, thematic analysis was used and both higher order and lower order themes

were identified. They were grouped together in areas of the same or similar meanings. Coding

was used to identify each theme and quotes that emerged during the semi- structured

interviews are included where relevant. The following is a presentation of the findings while

conducting this research.

3.2 Profile of Participants As part of this research, semi-structured interviews were carried out. There were six

interviewees in total. The age range of participants ranged from 19-40 years. All participants

who took part in this study have been involved in volunteering in some shape or form. To

follow is a brief profile of each participant that took part in the interviews. No names are

provided due to ethical considerations.

Participant A is 22 years old, female and from Tipperary, just graduated from CIT and now

working full time in a leisure Centre. They have volunteered both on a long-term basis and

short term, getting involved in sports clubs and scout groups locally.

Participant B is 42-year-old male, from Co. Wexford. He is currently doing his honors degree

in Waterford Institute of Technology. He is married with 6 children and involved in

volunteering for several years.

Participant C is from Waterford City, 21-year-old female.in 4th year of college and working

part time in a leisure centre. She volunteers regularly on a once off basis for her local GAA

club.

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Participant D is a 20-year-old female, working part time and currently studying paramedics.

She volunteers both long term and on a short-term basis within different organizations.

Participant E is 19 years old. She is from Tipperary, currently studying Business in college.

She volunteers on a once off basis in her local scout group.

Participant F is a 22-year-old female from Kilkenny. She is a full-time student and

volunteering in her GAA club, soccer club and P2P mentoring within the college.

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3.3 Research Question 1

Who is the demographic profile of volunteers?

Figure 1: Demographic profile of volunteers.

The higher order themes that emerged while answering this question were the typical gender

of volunteers. In this study, we had a mix of both male and female participants. Another

theme that emerged were the types of volunteering that people get involved in. Each athlete

that took part in interviews had been involved in some form of volunteering in the past

whether it was short or long term.

3.4 Demographics

Looking at the demographic profile of volunteers, gender, age, cultural background was

looked at for each participant. The type of volunteering that they are involved in was also a

key factor.

Davies, Lockstone-Benney & Holmes carried out research in 2018 on who are the future

volunteers in rural areas, putting key focus on the demographics and background

characteristics of volunteers. Research has shown that it is typically older people that are

volunteering but what emerged from the interview process was there is a lot of younger

people now getting involved and the older people are moving out. The younger generation

are more eager to get involved because of future employment prospects.

Demographics

Gender

Male

Female

Type of Volunteering

Episodic

Long- Term

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“Am… in my club it is younger aged people because I think the older people know

what benefits they get from it and want to finish up. With the younger age group, they

are eager starting off, so I think the younger people are more incline to volunteer.”

“It is more younger people, like in the swimming we still have 2 older people, but it

is the younger people that are in and out. So, yeah long term is on the decrease and

younger people are taking over.”

The participants who took part in the interviews believe that is the younger generation now

more involved in volunteering and the older people slowly fading out.

3.5 Gender difference of volunteers

For this study, there were 5 female and 1 male interviewed on their volunteer experience.

Many say it is more males that are volunteering within these different organization but from

hearing the insights of those who are volunteering there seems to be an even split. Both male

and female volunteers get involved in different organizations. Males tend to sport, and

females involved in caring for others or with charitable organizations. From this research it

was seen that 5 out of the 6 interviewees were involved in coaching in some shape or form.

Sport Ireland are trying to encourage greater diversity with our volunteer cohort in line with

changing the population profiles. Having these plans in the sports strategy for 2018-2027 we

may soon see an increase in the number of volunteers in the sports industry, both male and

female. Throughout the interview, the question was put to the participants, do you think it is

more male or females that are volunteering and mixed responses emerged.

“Yeah, it depends on what organization you are volunteering for, but the girl guides

were all female but then you have scouts and that is more male, I think it just depends

on what the organization is.”

“Female … because I feel like it benefits them more than males as they know what

they want and are uneducated.”

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Research shows that within the sports industry middle aged men are more likely to volunteer

within this sector than what it is for the younger males and females. (Schlesinger, Egil and

Nagel, 2013). It is not changing and there is more females and the younger generation in

general getting involved in some form of volunteering.

3.6 Types of Volunteering

When looking at the theme of the types of volunteering that people are involved in, two main

types emerged. Long-term and episodic volunteering. From the sample group, each

participant was involved in volunteering either on a once off basis or long term. As part of

this research we wanted to see the level of people volunteering both short and long term and

people are more willing to volunteer on a once off basis rather than committing to anything

long-term.

“I think long term is decreasing and episodic is increasing, like people are more

willing to do it on a once off basis rather than long term, like I wouldn’t commit to

anything for real long but if I was asked every now and again definitely.”

“when it comes to long term volunteering and volunteering for the likes of clubs, on

the decrease, when it comes to fundraising for the clubs I do find parents are willing

to help when its once off, that’s increasing.”

As previous research states, there is a definite increase in the number of people volunteering

on a once off basis rather than long-term. (Cnaan & Handy, 2005). Volunteering can be time

consuming, so people are more incline to volunteer when they are really needed rather than

committing long term.

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What motivate volunteers to stay volunteering and are they satisfied?

Figure 2: Motivation and Satisfaction of volunteers.

In relation to the second research question, the satisfaction and motivation of volunteers was

assessed. The three main components are enjoyment, recognition and future employment

opportunities. The emerging themes discussed below answered research question two. There

were three higher order themes along with four low order themes. Giving something back,

filling gaps, helping others, work experience and improving and developing skills.

3.8 Recognition

For most of the interviewees, the recognition that they received while volunteered motivated

them to stay involved. Five out of the six interviewees have all received recognition for the

work that they contributed to the club/ organization in some shape or form whether it was a

token of appreciation or a simple thank you. A question was put to them during the interview

process asking them were they recognized for the work that they have put in to the

organization.

Motivation/ Satisfaction

Enjoyment

Giving something back

Filling Gaps

Helping others

Recognition

Future Employment opportunites

Improving and Developing skills

Work Experience

24

“Am yeah… with the GAA club there was an awards night and I got a little trophy to

say how good I was as a coach, with the scouts, most places you go am… the leaders

go free, so you don’t have to pay for anything.”

“With the P2P program, we got … recognition with silver plates and all, awarded this year,

it was … it felt great.”

“On the soccer level… out of the blue to get … awarded with a framed signed t-shirt from

the whole squad, it is a memory that will always stick with me.”

Being recognized for the hard work you put in while volunteering motivates individuals to

keep going back even if it is a simple thank you. They then know their work is appreciated

and they are not wasting their time volunteering. Below highlights the impact it has on

individuals when they are not recognized for their hard work.

“No, you just went in and did your job… “

“Yes, very hard, that made thigs very hard.”

Although it cannot be positive in all organizations. It was seen in one interview that they did

not receive any recognition for their hard work, they went in did their job and went home

again. This was challenging for the individual as they felt their time was wasted where they

could be doing something else.

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3.9 Future Employment Opportunities

Volunteering is becoming increasingly popular in the younger generation and in those

seeking employment. From the six interviews that were carried out, all interviewees would

encourage individuals to take part in volunteering to get a knowledge base and feel for the

area that they are interested in working in the future.

“yeah, so I volunteered in 5th and 6th year and then took a completely different route.

I was volunteering in the Red Cross and I loved it but then I didn’t think I could have

a career in it, so I went and did something else but then came back into the Red Cross

and I am in the paramedics now.”

It helps people experience areas where they think they would like to work before making any

definite decisions on what they want to do. Volunteering also helps with developing and

improving skills which helps with gaining employment in the future.

“develop more skills and by doing it yourself you develop more skills that you might need in

like college.”

3.10 Enjoyment

Although the other two themes listed above are major aspects when it comes to volunteering,

enjoyment was a major theme that jumped out in every interview. The enjoyment people get

from volunteering is a key motivation factor for volunteering.

“I kept it on because I enjoyed it.”

“I’ve loved every minute of it and found nothing negative.”

People stay involved in volunteering because of the enjoyment they get from doing it. The

sense of giving something back to the organization also motivates individuals to volunteer.

If they were involved themselves which most of the interviewees were or had family involved

that motivates them to start volunteering. The organization did so much for them they feel it

is only right to give something back to them.

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“It just shows what people have done for you and like coming up through the years

like I obviously took part in that P2P program when I was in first year, on the other

side of it and I thought it really benefitted me so to give that is … motivational.”

Another theme that emerged was filling gaps and filling up free time. Many individuals get

involved in volunteering to fill up free time that they may have. Especially those working

part-time or those in transition year. They have loads of time to give something back.

“Yes, especially in 4th year when you have loads of time. I took part in loads of volunteering

when I was in 4th year just even like coaching or swimming lessons for primary schools.”

“something to do… I’ve work at the weekends so at least I can go coaching and I finish work

early every day, so I can go off to scouts then”.

The final lower order theme that emerged was helping others. People love to help other

people. The sense of seeing others develop within themselves motivates volunteers to stay

volunteering.

“It is definitely the kids I’m working with and the people I am working with while I’m

volunteering.”

There are several motivational factors to why people volunteer which are highlighted above.

To answer the question as to if they are satisfied, the answer is yes. Throughout the interview

process the interviewees would not change a thing about their experience while volunteering.

Although there are negatives, they overcome these and turn them to positives.

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How are volunteers recruited, rewarded and retained by those organizations?

Figure 3: Recruitment, Rewarding and Retaining of Volunteers.

The themes highlighted above emerged from the 3Rs. There were three higher order themes

and nine lower order themes.

3.12 Recruitment

Volunteers are recruited in many ways. The interviewees were recruited for a volunteering

role through their previous involvement with the organizations. They wanted to stay involved

once their time was up. They were recruited through family involvement in the club, not

having the coaches or helpers they needed so they were asked to get involved. Finally,

through school programs. Many students get involved as part of their Presidents Gaisce

award or through their transition year programs.

“Ah … I have been involved in them both since a young age and it was something I enjoyed

doing so I wanted to stay involved in it.”

3Rs

Recruitment

Friends/Family

Previous Involvement

School Programs

RewardingToken of

appreciation

Trohies

Thank You

Retaining

Employment

TrainingPositve

Experiences

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“My own kids were getting involved in sports and bringing them down seeing there was no

one there to … to take charge, so I was asked to step in and it just grew from there with that”.

“I first started because I had to but then … it was part of our TY experience.”

Volunteers are needed in many organizations for them to keep running. Without the help of

volunteers some organization, they just would not be available to people. Some organizations

are solely run by volunteers.

“Am… I love to help places. Like places like the Red Cross they can’t afford all the people

that they have involved so volunteers are necessary to help them out.”

3.13 Rewarding

Rewarding volunteers is important so the volunteer knows the work that they put in is

acknowledged and appreciated. It shows the volunteer that they did not waste their time and

that the work they do is recognized by the organizations.

“It is not even about the awards at the end of the day, it is about the work being appreciated”.

“Yeah, that recognition just shows that the work you have done is appreciated.”

Volunteers do not need a token of appreciation or a trophy to know their work is appreciated,

a simple thank you goes a long way. Volunteers like to know that the organization got

something out of their work, that it helped them in some way.

“I felt like I had given something back and it wasn’t just for me, they got something out of it

too.”

Not all volunteers want to be rewarded, volunteering can be rewarding by simply just giving

something back to the organization and helping others and by getting a sense that the

organization benefited from their work in some form.

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3.14 Retaining

Once organizations have volunteers in the door they want to hold on to the good volunteers

for as long as they can. From the six interviewees they have been involved in volunteering

within different organizations both long and short term. What keeps volunteers involved?

Most organizations provide extra training to their volunteers and cover all costs. Within the

GAA clubs they send their coaches to do the different courses which gives them more

opportunities to get involved in more coaching, for example, Cul Camps.

“Yeah, the club would send out a text and let us know when it is on and then pay for it and

send us off to all the courses then.”

“Yeah, normally there are courses throughout the summer, foundation level courses so that

will have a lot to do with teaching underage teams. A lot of people do it to get into the Cul

Camps in the summer.”

If they have the courses done, then they are more willing to volunteer to get use out of the

courses. By providing training for volunteers and giving them the opportunity to upskill,

organizations can offer employment to the volunteers or may have contacts in areas of

interest of the volunteer that they can recommend them for.

“Getting involved with clubs, teams, so having contacts there will help me and it is

also beneficial because you can use these people as references and it might be an eye

catcher for future employment because if you get a good reference from them it is

beneficial.”

A positive experience is a huge factor that brings volunteers back. If the volunteer has had

no trouble and a smooth sailing experience they are more willing to stay volunteering within

the organization. Although there can be positive and negatives while volunteering but it is

just about turning those negatives into positives and enjoying the experience. The

interviewees have had a mix of both positive and negatives, with stages of feeling their time

was wasted but it is the people and the enjoyment they get from it bringing them back every

time.

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“Am … I feel like it has been a mix because it was positive to help and have a laugh with all

the kids and see them happy and the negative because it was taking up my time.”

Volunteers are recruited, rewarded and retained in several ways which are highlighted above.

They main recruitment strategy that these organizations have are through family and friends

and previous involvement of the volunteering within the organization. Many organizations

reward their volunteers with a small token of appreciation or with a simple thank you to show

that the work the volunteer puts in to the organization is appreciated and hard work

acknowledged. Organization cannot run without the help of volunteers. Once they have them

they want to hold on to them for as long as possible. This can be achieved through providing

extra training, employment or giving them an overall positive experience.

3.15 Conclusion

To conclude, the results chapter presented has reported this researches findings in relation to

volunteering. The results show that there is an increase in the number of people volunteering,

with more willing to get involved on a short-term basis rather than long term. The main theme

that emerged when assessing the motivational factors of volunteering was the enjoyment

people get from being involved, giving something back and from helping others. Individual

get involved to fill gaps of free time, it is something to do. In relation to the 3Rs, volunteers

are mainly recruited through previous involvement, rewarded with a simple thank you and

retaining with opportunities to upskill and seek future employment in the area. The following

chapter will present a discussion on previous related studies mentioned in the literature

review compared to the findings found from this current study. New research will be

presented where applicable.

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Chapter Four

Discussion of

Results

32

4. Discussion of Results 4.1 Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate what attracts and motivates volunteers in Ireland.

The following chapter will discuss the findings of the current research and previous research

which is outlined in the literature review as well as any additional studies based around the

topic. The results will be presented in relation to each research question.

The research questions are as follows:

1) Who is the demographic profile of volunteers?

2) What motivates volunteers to stay volunteering and are they satisfied?

3) How are volunteers recruited, rewarded and retained by these organizations?


Who is the demographic profile of volunteers?

4.3 Demographics of volunteers

Davies, Lockstone- Benney & Holmes, (2018), carried out results on who are the future

volunteers in rural areas which showed it is typically older people volunteering in

organizations within the community. Due to the increased emphasis put on volunteering,

there are more and more younger people getting involved in volunteering to put it on their

curriculum vitae which helps them when seeking employment. These findings are in line

with the current study. In the current study, it was found that there is a lot of younger people

involved and the older people are slowly moving out. The younger generation are eager to

get involved because of future employment prospects so they are starting off early.

4.4 Gender Difference of Volunteers

A study carried out by Marshall and Tanigichi, (2011), shows that male and female are equal

when it comes to volunteering. Typically, males tend to sport, and the females are more

involved in hidden volunteering which is the caring side and working within charitable

organizations. In the current study, there is an even split with females now involved in

coaching different sports as well as being involved in hidden volunteering. A study carried

out by Shen, Park, Kim and Kwon, (2018), through a longitudinal multinomial analysis

showed that female caregivers are more likely to be involved in high levels of volunteering,

but men were not. This supports the fact that females are more involved in hidden

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volunteering compared to males. But, it is becoming more and more the norm to have both

male and females involved in sports and there are males involved in hidden volunteering.

With Sport Ireland trying to encourage greater diversity with changing population profiles,

there will be an even split with male and females when it comes to volunteering. Strategies

are in places to increase involvement. Past research shows that there are more middle-aged

men likely to volunteer within the leisure industry than what it is for the younger generation

but due to the increased emphasis on volunteering that will soon change.

4.5 Age of Volunteers

Typically, we see more older people volunteering within different organizations, but this is

changing due to the increased emphasis on volunteering. (Higgins, Arnott & Douglas, 2015).

There are more and more younger people now getting involved in volunteering through

different school). programs where it is a requirement. In this current study, five out of the six

interviewees who were under the age of twenty-four are all volunteering from a young age.

They are starting off young which allows them to get a feel for an area where they may be

interested in seeking employment in the future. It is slowly changing; the younger generation

are moving in and older people moving out.

4.6 Type of Volunteering

Research carried out by Cnaan & Handy, (2005), there is an increase in episodic volunteering

which is volunteering on a once off basis, with long-term volunteering on the decrease. This

statement is in line with the current study. In the current study a lot more, people are willing

to volunteer on a once off basis rather than committing long-term. Volunteering can be very

time consuming. A recent study carried out by Ihm, (2017), states there is now online

volunteering available which involves volunteering within an organization without being

physically present. This may be appealing to those who find it difficult to attend volunteering

due to work or home commitments, so they can now do it all online. Work may include

working with online websites or social media in connection with the organization. As found

in the current study, there are a lot more younger people involved in volunteering with some

of those finding volunteering a waste of time when they can do something else, but with this

online volunteering and episodic volunteering on the rise, numbers in volunteering is set to

increase as more are willing to be involved every now and again which these types of

volunteering give them the option to get involved.

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What motivates volunteers to stay volunteering and are they satisfied?

4.8 Recognition

Kim, Fredline & Cuskelly, (2018), states that volunteers are most likely to engage in

volunteering if they are satisfied with the experiences. Within this current study, recognition

was a major factor for the motivation of volunteers. The recognition that volunteers receive

for the work that they do for the organization that they are involved in motivates them to stay

involved over a long period of time. It allows them to feel their work is appreciated and it

has some benefit to the organization. A study by Akingbola, Rogers and Baluch, (2017),

states that understanding why people volunteer and what keeps them volunteering helps the

organization maximize the value of the volunteers service. Recognizing volunteers for the

work that they offer to the service helps maintain volunteers. The recognition that volunteers

receive even if it is a simple thank you, it goes a long way. In the current study, there were

volunteers recognized and some who were not. When a volunteer receives no recognition,

they feel their time is wasted which results in the volunteer not returning to the role.

4.9 Enjoyment While it is difficult to pinpoint every motivational factor of volunteers, trends can be

identified and reasons for why people volunteer. (Tyrell, 2018). Within the current study,

enjoyment was a major factor that motivated volunteers to get involved and is a key factor to

the satisfaction volunteers get from being involved. Individuals stay involved because of the

enjoyment they get from volunteering. Many people enjoy the sense of giving something

back to the organization which is a key motivation factor. In this current study, the

participants who are involved in volunteering were involved in areas where they had previous

involvement growing up and because the organization did so much for them, they felt it was

right to get involved and give something back.

4.10 Job Satisfaction

Individual job satisfaction reflects on the individuals expectations and experiences. These

results in an outcome of job satisfaction. It is important for organizations to understand the

expectations of volunteers for them to meet their needs which motivates the volunteer to stay

involved within the organization. If the volunteer is happy and motivated in this area of work

and the organization is making their experience as enjoyable as they can, this motivates

volunteers because they are satisfied. In this current study job satisfaction is found through

35

enjoyment, recognition and the organization meeting the needs of their volunteers. Research

carried out by Vecina, Chacon, Sueiro and Barron, (2011), states that work engagement is

one of the possible causes of job satisfaction. Although, doubts remain as to the factorial

structure of engagement. A cross sectional collection method was used to understand

approaches used to reach job satisfaction amongst volunteers while this current study used a

qualitative approach when measuring satisfaction within volunteers which results in the

findings between the two studies being different.

4.11 Future Employment Opportunities

Volunteering is becoming increasingly popular due to the opportunities people can get from

it regarding future employment. Johnson, Giannoulakis, Felver, et, al, (2017), states that

students are predominately motivated to volunteer by the career motivation factors. This

statement is in line with the current study as those who are volunteering think it is the best

option for those when trying to decide what area of work they might enjoy in the future.

Gives them the opportunity to experience different areas before making any final decisions

on their future career. Volunteering helps people improve or develop new skills which can

help them in line for full time employment. This is a motivation factor for people to get

involved because of the benefits it has for them in the future. Within the current study, the

participants of the study encourage people to get involved early on for them to develop

themselves and their skills that they may require for the area of work they are interested in

pursuing in the future.

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How are volunteers recruited, rewarded and retained by these organizations?

4.13 Recruitment

Volunteers can be recruited in many ways, could be from previous involvement, friends or

family. According to Taylor and Morgan, (2017), the most common way of recruiting

volunteers is word of mouth. In the current study, it highlights that volunteers are mainly

recruited through their previous experience within the organization. They have been involved

through the years and now want to give something back so stay involved once their time is

up. Many volunteers are following in the footsteps of their friends and family. This was also

mentioned in the current study where there was no one to take charge of a family members

team so they took on the role as the coach. Research carried out by Nichols, Hogg, Knight

and Storr, (2019), states that promoting volunteering by emphasizing the personal rewards

and promoting the long-term development of the values of volunteering helps organizations

when recruiting volunteers. It is important for organizations to have recruitment strategies in

place because some organization cannot run without the help of those volunteering. Although

volunteers are recruited through friends, family and through previous involvement, many of

those involved in this current study got involved through different school programs.

Volunteering is now included within programs such as the Gaisce President’s award where

voluntary activity is a requirement. This is recruiting the young generation which is seen to

be on the rise. Recruitment is important as organization need as much volunteers are they can

get to keep them going.

4.14 Rewarding

Gotzelmann, (2016), says volunteering can be rewarding. Once the volunteers have gone

through the recruitment process, organizations must then reward their volunteers for the work

that they put in. Some volunteers need for the work that they do to be acknowledged to know

that the organization is getting some benefit from the work that they are doing. This is in line

with the current study, as in the current study it emerged that if volunteers are acknowledged

and appreciated, then they know they have not wasted their time and it can also act as a

motivational factor for keeping them involved. Holmes and Smith, (2010), believe that

providing future training for volunteers is a token of appreciation which give the volunteer

the opportunity to upskill and seek future employment. Although some volunteers need to be

rewarded, some do not feel they do. Some people believe volunteering can be satisfying and

37

do not need any rewarding to keep them involved. A study by Janus and Misiorek, (2018),

state that volunteering is considered “doing good for others” as the main rewarding factor in

volunteering. In some organizations it is important to reward their volunteers even if it is a

simple thank you just, so the volunteers know they are appreciated, and this will keep the

individual involved over a long period of time.

4.15 Retaining

Organizations want to hold on to the good volunteers for as long as they can. In this current

study, most volunteers are retained within the organization that they are volunteering in by

opportunities to upskill. They are sent to different courses which allows them to get involved

in different areas within the organization. Harrison, Xiao, Ott & Botree, (2017), carried out

surveys to see how the role of stewardship and involvement plays a role in organizations

when it comes to retaining their volunteers. Organizations need to build relationships with

their volunteers. This allows them work towards a common goal. Giving the volunteers a

positive experience also emerges in the current study. If the experience of the volunteer is

positive, they are more willing to stay involved. There can be a negative side to volunteering

but it is just about turning those negatives into positive and getting on with the task in hand.

As stated by Karl, Peluchutte and Hall, (2008), using marketing perspectives helps

investigate whether the issue of “fun at work” would appeal to volunteers as part as an effort

to retain volunteers. If the volunteers know the workplace is enjoyable they would be more

likely to stay volunteering. The higher the involvement, the stronger the relationship is

between the volunteer and the organization. Based on previous research and on the current

study, retaining volunteers can be achieved through providing extra training, employment

opportunities and by making the overall experience of volunteer as positive and enjoyable as

they possibly can.

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4.16 Limitations Several limitations are acknowledged for this research which will now be outlined.

• The first limitation that was acknowledged was the sample size was too small. There

were only six individuals interviewed as part of this study which makes it difficult

for the researcher to gain complete understanding around the topic area. Sample size

is not a representation of the population chosen.

• The experience of the researcher was also a limitation. This can affect the way the

research was carried out.

• Another limitation of the research was interviewer bias towards the topic. The

knowledge of the topic influenced the structure of the questions asked and the desired

responses.

• An additional limitation was organizing participants to take part in the study. It was

hard to organize suitable times and venues to complete the interview process and to

gather people with previous volunteer experience.

• Using qualitative methods to carry out this study is another limitation. It does not

allow for objective information to emerge.

• There was also selection bias in this study. There were 5 female and 1 male involved

in the study which ranged from an age group of nineteen to early forties.

• Due to the limited time for the research to be carried out, there was only one pilot

study conducted which was very brief. This limitation may have impacted the

interview process as changes could have been made and more information gathered

from the interviews.

• Another limitation of this study was interviewing people who are actively

volunteering and those who have only volunteered once or twice. This could have

impacted the study as both would have completely different opinions around the area

of volunteering.

• The final limitation to this study would be the lack of recent research based on the

topic of volunteering, the change in the trends of volunteering with long-term

decreasing and short-term increasing. Therefore, only studies related to volunteering

before the current trend are included in this study, thus increasing the opportunity for

future research.

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4.17 Conclusion When investigating what attracts and motivates volunteers within organizations in Ireland

there is many different factors which were highlighted throughout this current study. The

findings from this research show that the main reason for involvement in volunteering is to

give something back based on their previous experience within the organization. The

enjoyment people get from volunteering is another huge factor which attracts and motivates

people to get involved in some form of volunteering whether it is long-term or short- term.

Although people may find volunteering a waste of their time, some people find being

involved in volunteering can be very rewarding. Volunteering also gives people the

opportunity to experience different areas and to gain and develop personal skills which can

lead to future employment. Lastly, due to the increased emphasis on volunteering, the number

in people now getting involved, especially those part of the younger generation is slowly

increasing. The older people within organization are moving out and the younger people are

moving in. volunteering within different organizations now have equal involvement between

males and females and with the different strategies in place with Sports Ireland, the number

in females involved in the leisure sector is on the rise. These findings may provide knowledge

to governing bodies, sports organizations and within charitable services and help them

improve the number of people involved and help reach out to those interested in volunteering

by highlighting the benefits it has. In conclusion, having equality within volunteering,

especially in the leisure sector can see a huge increase in the number of those involved.

4.18 Further Research Further research is needed to explore the involvement of male and female volunteers within

different organizations. the recommendations are as follows:

• Conduct research based on the involvement in volunteering within different

organizations in both male and female, are they now equal compared to previous

research.

• Conduct more research using qualitative methods to find out the actual experience of

volunteers rather than getting answers based on questionnaires and surveys.

• Several studies highlight the involvement of older adults in volunteering, conduct a

study on the involvement of the younger generation, getting involved within school

programs and working their way up.

40

• With the strategies in place with Sports Ireland, conduct a study to see whether these

strategies are being implemented and what results are popping up.

41

Reference List

42

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volunteers at a Florida natural resource agency. Journal of Park & Recreation

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Nichols, G., Hogg, E., Knight, C., & Storr, R. (2018). Selling volunteering or developing

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46

Appendices

47

Appendix A

Consent Form

An investigation into what attracts and motivates volunteers.

My name is Rachel O’Dwyer and I am conducting a study on an investigation into what

attracts and motivates volunteers in Ireland.

I am inviting you to participate in this research which will involve contributing to an

interview process lasting between 20 and 40 minutes.

Participation in this study is completely on a voluntary basis and you are not obliged to

participate. If you choose to partake in this research, you do not have to answer any of the

questions and can withdraw from the study at any stage should any difficulties or issues

arise during the interview process.

Your participation will be strictly confidential. If, after the interview has been completed

and you request to have your interview removed from the research this can be completed

up until the research in submitted.

The interview and all relevant data related to it will be safely secured on a password

protected computer.

*It is important that you understand that by completing this interview, you are

consenting to participate in the study*

Should you require any further information on the research or should any issues develop,

please do not hesitate to contact me,

48

Rachel O’Dwyer – [email protected] or (085)-1201478.

Thank you for your cooperation and participation in this study. Participant signature:

mailto:[email protected]

49

Appendix B

Research Clearance Form

Approval has been granted for the research methodology outlined by

_______________________ (student) and clearance has now been given for the research

to proceed.

Signed: (Advisor)

Note: All students who wish to test or measure human subjects should supply the

Physiology Lab Technician (Bruce Wardrop) with a signed copy of this form and the

approved methodology. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in

disciplinary action as well as a failed grade.

Student’s signature

………………………………………………

Date…………………………………………

50

Appendix C

Interview Topic Guide

Opening Question

• Tell me about yourself?

• Where do you volunteer and why choose that organization?

General Questions

• From your time of volunteering tell me about your experience and why do you do it?

• How would you rate your overall volunteer experience?

• Who do you think is volunteering more male/female? Younger/ older?

Motivation Questions

• Why do you engage in voluntary activity?

• Do you feel a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment while volunteering?

• What aspects of volunteering motivate you to participate in volunteering?

• What are the benefits of engaging in voluntary work?

• Did you receive any recognition for your work? How did this affect you?

• What skills and qualities have you learned from volunteering and are they helpful?

Future Employment Questions

• Do you feel volunteering can help towards obtaining employment in the future?

• Have you received any training for the volunteer work you are involved in?

• Do you think the contacts you have made will benefit you when seeking

employment?

Barriers

• Have you experienced any barriers while engaging in volunteer work, if so what were

they?

• Do you feel volunteering can be difficult and challenging at times?

Conclusion Question

• Do you believe the number in people volunteering is increasing or decreasing?

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Appendix D

Interview 1

Thank you for taking part in this study, this interview will be recorded and then destroyed

once the study is finished.

Ok we are going to start with off with an open question, so if you just tell me a little bit

about yourself?

Ah… my name X, I’m 22, I’m from Clonmel and I work in the Clonmel Park leisure centre.

What kind of work do you do in the leisure centre?

Am… I teach swimming lessons, teach classes and just help around the gym.

Oh, very good, did you go to college to do something like that or did you just do courses

on the side?

Ya, I went to CIT and did Recreation leisure management and sport and exercise.

Oh, very like the course I’m doing now in WIT.

So… we are doing this interview today based on volunteering, like where do you

volunteer and what kind of organizations are you involved in?

Am… I volunteer in my local scout group twice a week and I volunteer down in my local

GAA club every Saturday and Sunday.

And why did you choose those organizations in particular?

Ah… I have been involved in them both since a young age and it was something I enjoyed

so I wanted to stay involved in it.

You play football and that do you?

Yes, I play football and I do scouts.

Very good, and how long have you been volunteering?

Am… I have been involved with the scouts for about 5 years and I have volunteered in my

GAA club since I was 14.

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So, like when you did scouts … did you start at the very start and build your way up?

Yes, I built my way up and then…

How long did that take?

Start… when your 6 right up to 18… then when you turn 18 you can become a leader and

then…

Oh, so that’s how you got involved then?

Ok so, just tell me a little bit about your volunteer experience, how did you get

involved… was it someone that you knew there or was it just being involved yourself

that you wanted to keep going?

Am, when you are finished with scouts at 18 you either must be a leader or leave so I decided

to be a leader and then with my GAA club once I was there I wanted to do something… teach

the younger kids so I decided to get involved with the underage.

Very good… and what kind of age group would you have with the scout group?

Am… with the beavers… it is aged 6 to 7 or around 8 and then the next group it is 9-11.

And then for the GAA club, is that around … do you do mixed teams or is it an age

group?

No, I just do the girls… U8 and U10.

…

And for the scouts… did you have to do any training for that or… was it literally based

on your experience from being involved?

No, no … you must do everything, first you must be Garda vetted and then do your child

protection… and there are stages 1-10 of each stage and you must go through them and teach

the different skills, all different kind of things.

And what kind of different stages are they?

53

So… like the start it would be something small like teaching little things like what to do,

what scouts is all about and then it slowly goes up to how to pitch a tent, how to am… to tie

knots and then how-to bring kinds away on trips… little things like that.

Do you get to go on the trips too? (Laugh)

Yep… once you are a leader you get to go on all the trips for free and go on all the hikes for

free.

And… with the GAA club then, did you have to do any training for that then or was

it… did you get involved? Do you have to be an age to do the coaching courses?

Ah, you must be a certain age but if you have your Garda vetting and your ahm… child

protection course, you can nearly start and then once then you can start off with your level 1

coaching and then level 2 or 3.

Did the club provide that training or did you have to go about it yourself?

Ya, the club would sent out a text and let us know when its on and then pay for it and send

us off to all the courses then.

Ok and like overall… how would you rate your experience like 1-10, is it enjoyable or

something, like do you love doing it or is it just something you wanted to do?

No, I love doing it… gets me out of the house, something to every evening after work.

So that brings me to the question… why do you volunteer… like why do you engage in

voluntary activity?

…

Something to do… I’ve no work at the weekends so at least I can go coaching and I finish

work early every day, so I can go off to scouts then…

And ah… what aspects of volunteering motivate you to participate? … so, like what is

it about volunteering that makes you want to get up and go and do It every week? Like

you are not being paid for it …

… (Laugh)

54

Like is it something, like obviously you enjoy it.

Am ya… no, I like getting up and having something to do, ugh its enjoyable getting to see

all the kids running around… helping.

And would there be many people there your age volunteering or?

Ya, my age but most of them would be older though, there would be a few older adults and

then like 2 or 3 my age.

Gives you a sense of giving something back as well after being involved yourself.

Ya, after being there for so long, they did so much for, I want to help them.

That’s nice isn’t it?

Am … what are the benefits of engaging in voluntary activity?

…

Like what skills and qualities have you learned from volunteering?

Oh ok… ah so I’ve learned loads of different things… I used to be shy now I’m not so…

better at communicating, talking to everyone and time management, at least I’m there the

whole time now and I’m early for work now (laugh).

Is there anything else you got from it?

Am…

Like some people say they do it for something extra to do, they don’t get anything out

of it, is that something you feel like …

I think it helps me working with a team now, more team work.

Do you work part of a team?

Yes, so it helps me.

Did you receive any recognition for the work that you do?

55

Am ya… with the GAA club there was an awards night and I got a little trophy to say how

good I was as a coach… favorite coach (Laugh)… also they gave me gear to make myself

look good (laugh)

…

Token of appreciation for all the hard work that you do throughout the year.

Ya, with the scouts then you always, most places you go am… the leaders go free, so you

don’t have to pay for anything.

That’s handy

…

Just the scouts must pay so like if you go to the cinema they don’t charge the leaders so …

So that’s kind of paying ye

Paying us back for volunteering

Oh, very good … am so just … do you feel volunteering can help with obtaining future

employment?

Am yes… I think it will, it looks good to have volunteering down on your CV, looks like you

are doing something.

Do you think having voluntary work on your CV will help, like talking to someone in

school now… would you encourage them to get involved in voluntary work?

Yes … even getting my job here, my manager was looking through the whole thing and that’s

the one thing, putting my time going doing volunteer work, not getting paid for it, it looked

good.

I suppose… if you can volunteer in an area you want to get employment in, in the future,

am … that will kind of help you… make a decision because you might have your heart

set on something to do when you are older and then…

Volunteer work and might not like it…

Ya… do you think that helps?

56

I think it makes a difference

So, would you encourage people?

Ya younger people, especially when they have the time, not working

Am … do you think the contacts you have made while volunteering will help you when

seeking employment, like do you think the contacts you’ve made in the scout group will

help you?

Yes, because they are all involved in other things, if I ever needed anything, like someone to

call they would help me out.

There are links there?

Ah… have you experienced any barriers while being involved in voluntary work?

Ah no, not at the moment, not yet anyway.

Smooth sailing so (laugh)

Do you see yourself volunteering for many years or?

Ya, as long as I have the time I’ll do it anyway.

Would you try and get your friends involved in volunteering or?

As long as they are interested, no point dragging them along to something they don’t like.

Ok… and do you feel volunteering can be difficult and challenging at times?

Ah… sometimes ya, say if you wanted to go somewhere in the evening but have already

committed to volunteering, you kind of have to go to that and leave your friends behind.

And do you feel a sense of satisfaction and motivation when volunteering?

Yes, I do, its good.

Like I know you are not paid, and I don’t mind not being paid, its fun the way it is, going

down, something to do.

Getting involved?

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Then ah… what way do you think… volunteering is going? Do you think the number

in people volunteering, in your opinion increasing or decreasing? Like the younger age

group in the GAA club, are they getting involved now or waiting till a certain point, or

is there interest in volunteering anymore? More interest in paid work?

Ya I think most people now are interested in being paid and then if they can volunteer they

will but most of them don’t last very long.

And just say in the scout group… is there many volunteering now from the group you

were involved with or do they just get to 18 and go?

Most people just go … at the moment there are 6 to 7 of us that are still volunteering, then

all the others they are the older people.

Oh, very good…

So, they are still looking for people more younger people, they are all waiting to retire.

Ye are trying to encourage the scouts now to stay involved so?

…

And is that the same with the GAA club then?

Am… not as bad because I feel like… I don’t know, more people are interested in the GAA,

if they played it before, but with the scouts, you nearly must be in the scouts your whole life

to be a leader.

And just in the GAA, is it mostly teenagers volunteering, or would you see a lot of the

parents of the underage teams coaching?

Ya, most parents, especially with the girls, mostly parents are there and then you might have

the odd 1 or 2.

Do you think they are volunteering just because their kids are there or?

Ya because their kids are there and the teenagers doing it for their Gaisce or something.

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Oh yes…

They have to do that with school.

That’s grand so, I would just like to thank you again for taking part in this interview.

59

Interview 2

Thank you for takin part in this study… I am going to ask you a few questions based

on your volunteer experience.

So … we will start with, tell me a little bit about yourself?

Am ok … my name is Y, I’m 40ish, ah … I’m from New Ross in Wexford, 4th year student

in college and married with 6 kids.

Very good… and where do you volunteer and why did you choose that organization?

Ah I volunteer in college through a peer to peer mentoring program, am I also volunteer with

the college ladies soccer team, ah … at home, I volunteer with club soccer, I coach, and I

also coach/ manage the girls county U15 soccer team.

And why did you choose those organizations?

…

Ah probably a mixture of … a few things … the soccer, my own kids were getting into sports

and bringing them down seeing there was no one there to … to take charge, to coach them,

so I was asked to step in and it just grew from there with that.

…

With regards to the P2P mentoring… when I was in first year I suppose I was shy and there

was a P2P mentor there and I found her good, so I decided to give back when I went into 2nd

year.

And what kind of work does that involve?

…

Am … as a mentor you may have 5 or 6 first years under your wing and help them transition

from school into college life. Am … helping them out, showing them where to go their first

couple of weeks, guiding them ore so than anything.

Ok, and from your time of volunteering, tell me about your experience, so roughly…

how many years have you been involved in voluntary activity.

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Ah I suppose volunteering now … the soccer I suppose volunteering 12 years, minimum of

12 years and the P2P, this is the third year of the program now.

And how would you rate it, has it all been positive or is there a mixture of positive and

negatives between both the P2P and the … different soccer groups.

Ah, the P2P, I’ve loved every minute of it and found nothing negative… with the soccer …

am the negatives I suppose is the losses and seeing the kids faces when they lose, in finals

not normal games but everything else seems to be positive… I suppose one other negative

with the soccer is its hard to get volunteers… to help.

And are you involved in both men’s and women’s teams or just women’s?

I was originally, am but I kind of more steered towards the schoolgirls and ladies soccer

which I find is nicer, they are attentive, they listen better, just more enjoyable.

So, like why do you engage in voluntary activity? So why do you do it?

I suppose…

Link that with, what aspects of volunteering motivate you to participate?

Suppose the enjoyment, the enjoyment of seeing and helping others, and what they are getting

from it. On a personal note it kind of fills a gap for me … am … years ago I had my own

addictions and all that, went the other side, got out of it but to fill a hole, gap, something to

do.

In your opinion … what are the benefits of engaging in voluntary activity? … what do

you get from it that you would try and encourage others to get involved. Is there

something there that you are like ya, that why I could encourage others to get involved.

Ya … it’s the enjoyment… helping others is a good one, then there is the other traits I suppose

like am … mmm… top of my head … team building, all that kind of stuff. Ah just the skills,

61

learning new skills, am communication, as I said I would have been shy in first year in college

but … once the training you get with the … volunteering helps you come out.

So that kind of links in with what skills and qualities have you learned from

volunteering and have they been helpful?

Am … as I said the team building that you do … with first years you do team building days

to get them used to each other.

With the P2P?

Yes, with the P2P, and it does, getting them to do the team building and doing the team

building, I’m able to bring that into the soccer teams as well and do team building with them

as well, am … so it helps me that way, ah … skills with communication then, communicating

with others… I would have been quite happy in my own shell not talking to anyone but with

this it has helped me open and talk to parents, am talking to bigger groups such as teams, am

… it helped me that way.

Within the different groups there ah … did you receive any recognition for your work?

And how did it affect you? If you did or didn’t.

Ah … with the P2P, just this year it was an extra module I was doing on leadership, with the

P2P program, we got … recognition with silver plates and all, awarded this year, it was…

felt really great to be appreciated, am … on the soccer level … to get recognized… I suppose

we had the girls county team down at the All Ireland soccer tournament, 2-3 years ago and

out of the blue to get … awarded with a framed signed t-shirt from the whole squad, it’s a

memory that will always stick with me.

Do you feel like the recognition you get from players and staff members we will say,

helps you to go back … like do you feel like the work you put in is recognized, it kind of

motivates you to stay involved?

Ah no it definitely does, am … especially from the individuals you are volunteering with and

trying to help, seeing changes in them… that will always make you want to go back… then

62

there is times, the organizations that you are working with … ah … at times you feel like

they are fighting against you and you are saying what the fuck am I doing this for…

sometimes you want to pack it in but then again you always look at the good points, like the

people you are helping and seeing them, makes me always go back.

And like how were you recruited by these organizations? Did you know someone

involved or did you just want to go and fill up some of your free time?

Ya, so like I said earlier, filling up the free time and when the daughter got involved in sport

an no one there, I got asked to help out, that was at club level, am … after like 2 years then I

was approached by the county level and they asked me would I volunteer am … and of course

I said no problem, I would go straight away and I’m there ever since, that’s around 10 years

with them. Am P2P, it was the peer mentor that I had when I was in first year asked me,

thought I’d be good at it, asked would I do it for 2nd year so I said I’d give it a go and I haven’t

looked back since with that either.

And do you feel volunteering can help with obtaining future employment, like would

you encourage teenagers coming up through the system now to get involved in

volunteering?

Yes definitely… I would always say volunteering is a great thing, an awful lot of the

employers, been told by many different lecturers, this and that , volunteer, volunteer,

volunteer, but I do find by talking to a few different organizations that they do look at

volunteering and they do … recognize people who do volunteer and those who are willing to

give up their free time, free of charge to do something else and …

So, you would encourage the younger people, like you said you had kids, would you

encourage your kids to get involved in voluntary activity now so then it helps them with

that future employment in an area that they might be interested in?

I would encourage them, like I have the kids growing up, there is 19 and … 16, they are

already volunteering in their own right… am … without being asked, I suppose they see the

enjoyment I am getting from it.

Following in your footsteps so…

63

I hope so … (Laugh)

Have you received any training for the volunteer work that you do, is there any extra

that you had to do to get involved or was it literally just arrive up on the day and …?

Yes, with the likes of college P2P, you had to do initial training days am … training on how

to deal, how to approach first years coming in so there was training on that. When it comes

to the parts with the soccer, you must have your badges, training badges, coaching badges

where I started paying for those myself, then did a course and the FAI paid for the badges to

continue.

So, they covered the cost to try and keep you?

Yes, … and I did a personal development courses as well to keep educated.

Oh ya … and do you think the contacts you have made while volunteering will benefit

you when seeking future employment? If you were looking for employment, we’ll say

in the FAI … do you think the contacts you’ve made throughout the years will kind of

help you in that way.

Ya… I would

Like with the P2P, in the college, the contacts you’ve made with the people in charge

will help you in the future with employment?

Oh, I would think so. Like through that with the different schools, departments in the

college… I have made contacts with some of the heads of department am … who have

contacts outside but also with the projects where I am wanting to go after college, I’ve made

contacts with them already, peer mentoring is a big step up for that, to help with where I’m

looking to go.

Do you think you’ll take the route of soccer or P2P?

Ah …

Or are you in the middle?

64

The soccer I think will always be in the background…

Ya…

It will always be a hobby, volunteering, coaching that will always be there, the P2P… I would

like to go down a career of helping people, am … especially youths at risk, I feel P2P has

helped me that way.

Oh, very good … so then have you experienced any barriers while engaging in voluntary

work? If so what were they?

…

Am … finance I suppose is a big one, finance of 2 different aspects. The first being … I do

a lot of travelling with the soccer, it could be all over county Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny,

could be anywhere, am … majority of that is out of your own pocket, so, reimbursing for

that. Finances then when it comes to the county level, higher level, more elite players, again

I find at times committees can be very restrictive on what you are looking to do am … and it

does at times … feel like you are hitting your head off a brick wall instead of wanting to hit

one.

(Laugh)

And do you feel volunteering can be difficult and challenging at times, linking that back

to what you said there?

It can … especially when you are trying to help others in soccer… I have worked with one

particular kid, trials every year and I used to bring her so far in the trials then would cut her

out from it… mostly her attitude but then again in the last 2 years I rethought that and said

we are supposed to help her… so, I kept her in the system and she is gaining a lot more from

it and its rewarding keeping her in it, trying to help her on rather than turning my back on her

the whole time.

Just to finish off… do you believe in the number of people volunteering is increasing or

decreasing?

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Ah … when it comes to long term volunteering and volunteering for the likes of clubs, on

the decrease. Finding it harder and harder… to get volunteers in to help am … find parents

are very willing to drop kids off while the car is still moving and keep going before they are

asked to do something… when it comes to fundraising for the clubs I do find parents are

more willing to help when its once off, that’s increasing.

Kind of a once off basis rather than long term.

…

Ya

Like they are kind of wanted all the time

Most definitiely… once off

Perfect … that’s all done, thank you for participating in this interview.

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Interview 3

Thank you for taking part in this interview, I am going to ask you a few questions based

on your volunteer experience.

So, we will just start off with … tell me a little about yourself?

Ya, so my name is Z, I’m 21, from Waterford and I work part time and I am in college.

So, this interview is based on your volunteer experience and we are trying to get

information on why people volunteer… where do you volunteer and why did you choose

that organization?

Am… I have volunteered before for my camogie club and we did pack packing and

collections because they don’t get any funding from other places.

Do you feel like that helped the club out?

Yes, because we were in busy places like shopping centres and it attracted people to give us

money and when they see it’s a local club they are more willing to give money towards it.

Are you involved in any coaching or is it just on a once off basis that you volunteer?

Ah… sometimes I’d help coach the younger kids, if it was on like a Saturday morning or if I

wasn’t working or if I had spare time… just to try and improve their skills as they are getting

older.

Very good … from your time in volunteering, tell me a bit about your experience, are

they all positive, is there some negative, do you like doing it or would you be prefer

being paid?

Sometimes its good because you get to meet new people and engage with people but

sometimes when it goes on for longer than like 2 hours, like longer periods of time, you

wouldn’t enjoy it as much because you are kept busy and you would enjoy it more if you

were getting money from it.

It is kind of hard to fit it in as well?

Yeah, it is hard to fit it in if you are going from like college or going to work and then like

as I said if you are getting paid for it you would be more willing to help out, but it is hard

just to do it like.

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Then based on your experience of volunteering, how would you rate it?

Am… it is grand I suppose when you are doing it every now and again but when they are

looking for volunteers on a regular basis you wouldn’t be willing to do it as much… so I

wouldn’t rate it much in that kind of way but if you are doing it couple times a year then it’s

good.

Like twice or three times a year?

Ya…

And like why do you engage in voluntary activity?

Am because that’s the only way the club will get money, they don’t really ask player for

money in any other way, they base it on volunteering. It is good way to give back to the club

because if you are going away playing away games, staying in hotels, they don’t ask for

money. So, you are helping in a way by doing some volunteering for the club.

By doing the different collections?

Ya, usually if you are doing bag packing you will get a good bit of money but then if you are

doing it outside it might be harder to the money.

Does the club find it hard to get volunteers on board? Are they begging them to get

involved or are people willing and getting involved straight away?

I think it is mainly easier if the younger players, kind of more willing to do it because if you

were there and you are doing it the last couple of years… you might not see the enjoyment

side, they could be getting money for it, they wouldn’t get money here.

And do you get a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment from volunteering?

Ah … I would I suppose… gives you more confidence and it gets you to engage with people

more, like in the community and sometimes when you are on a panel with players that you

wouldn’t really get to talk to, get to know them more.

What aspects of volunteering motivate you to participate?

It is good when you get to mix with others. The club puts together a timetable, so you don’t

get to pick who you go with, so, its good in a way.

It helps with bonding.

Ya, you don’t get to pick who you volunteer with, it can be with younger players and players

you wouldn’t usually engage with in training then it is better to get to know them more and

then it helps when playing matches.

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In your opinion then, what are the benefits of engaging in voluntary activity?

Ah… I think it gave me a lot more confidence, more confidence to talk to people and getting

to talk to people I wouldn’t have talked to before, am…

Is there any skills and qualities you have gained or worked on during your voluntary

experience?

Ya… improved my communication skills, especially with people you wouldn’t know am …

and if you are with players in the club that you wouldn’t really talk to, it helps build a team,

increase morale more and improve your personal skills to I suppose.

And from the club did you receive any recognition for the work that you did, like did

they give you anything?

Ya … so, if it was a big fundraiser you’d get gear, so I remember we did bag packing for a

weekend and we got a set of jerseys, if it was only small they would give us a packed lunch

for the day and small things like that.

Very good … and just to bring you onto future employment questions… do you think

getting involved in voluntary activity helps with gaining future employment… like

would you encourage people in school to get involved now or wait till they finish?

Ah… I think the younger they are the easier it is when they are older and looking for paid

employment. It shows that you volunteer and eager from a young age then they might, like a

coach or trainer might put in good word and say they have gained skills and qualities.

And do you think, we’ll say the secondary school group, if there was someone interested

in a certain field and if you wanted to do it in college…volunteer and see if they like it.

Ya do that because if they don’t volunteer, they won’t know, leaving and presume they will

be interested in it in college and then go straight into paid employment and realize they don’t

enjoy it that much, where as if they volunteer first they will have more of a feel for it.

You said you were involved in coaching; did you receive any training or were you just

thrown into the deep end?

Am I think it is based on experience, I have been playing camogie for years so, if you pick

up the skills and then you can bring that into your coaching, if you are confident in teaching

then it is better.

For the volunteers in your club now … would the club provide courses for those or do

they have to go about it themselves?

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Ya, no normally there are courses throughout the summer, foundation level courses so that

will have a lot to do with teaching underage teams. A lot of people do it to get into the Cul

Camps in the summer. If you have the course done, then you are more willing to volunteer

and get use out of the courses.

Do you think the contacts you have made will benefit you when seeking employment,

like the coaches in the clubs might have jobs in areas that you are interested in. like do

you think if you went for a job in that area they will push your name forward?

Ya… one of our coaches works for Croke Park so, if you wanted a job in that area, you

wouldn’t suck up to them but be more willing to volunteer and help whether it was bag

packing or coaching on a Saturday morning, just to show him you are interested and do a

good job.

Volunteering is not all positive, there are negatives, so, have you experienced any

barriers while engaging in voluntary work?

I know sometimes if we are volunteering, when it comes to the day some people might text

and not turn up and like the odd time there would have been a few no shows and that is kind

of leaving the club down in a way.

Do you feel like it can be challenging at times for the club if they don’t get the people to

volunteer, left with no one, do you think it can be difficult if they don’t get the numbers?

Ya, if they had the numbers they could get it done quicker, say they get the incentives like

the jerseys, but they might see it as a waste of time if they don’t get the numbers. Like I think

if I was volunteering I’d rather do it over a short period of time rather than long term.

Rather than committing to it?

If you were doing it for a couple of weekends you might get the benefit from it but if you are

doing it more long term it might seem dragged out and wouldn’t be as willing to help out

again.

I suppose if people are volunteering long term and something comes up, they are kind

of stuck because they have already committed to doing it.

Ya… they don’t want to be stuck down to a permanent job like that, people rather do it if its

only the once or twice a year or before big events. They wouldn’t do it long term because

they wouldn’t see the benefits of it.

And do you think it is more male or females volunteering?

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Am in my club its younger aged people because I think the older people know what benefits

they get from it and want to finish up. With the younger age group, they are eager starting

off. So, I feel the younger people are more incline to volunteer.

Just to finish off then, do you feel the number in people volunteering is decreasing or

increasing?

Ah…

Do you think there is more people volunteering now rather than the past? Is the

emphasis on it now or is there more interest in paid work nowadays?

More people are volunteering now especially on a once off basis, that is increasing.

That’s perfect, thank you again for taking part in this interview.

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Interview 4

I would just like to welcome you to this interview and I am just going to ask you a few

questions based on your volunteer experience.

Ok, so, tell me about yourself?

Ah my name is A, and I work in the Clonmel park as a swim teacher and I am college doing

emergency personal care and I have been working since … for like 4 years.

So, this interview is based on your volunteer experience and volunteering in general.

So, where did you volunteer and why did you choose that organization?

Ah … I volunteer in the Red Cross because I was hoping to be a paramedic and it would help

me a lot in that job, I volunteer in the Murlin club in Sean Treacy’s in Tipperary town to get

more experience teaching kids and I have bag packed a couple of times and collected money

on the streets.

And the swimming has that brought you a career now or?

Yes…

It has, I was really interested in it, I went and did my courses and I became a swim teacher

and that is how I got my job here in the Clonmel Park based on the experience I got when I

was younger.

Perfect, and roughly how long have you been a volunteer?

Ah … about 6 years?

In all the different organizations or is there one that you been there longer or?

Yes … ah … I’ve done the swimming for 4 years and then I’ve been in the Red Cross for

only 2 or 3 years.

Very good… so, tell me about your experience, has it all been positive, is there a mix of

positive and negatives?

There has been a mix of positive and negatives. Some days are harder than other days because

volunteering you don’t get paid for it, so you might come in have a great day and have good

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kids then the next day you could come in and things could be very hard and you kind of say

to yourself why am I here? Am I wasting my time?

Do you feel like some organizations can take advantage of people who are volunteering

because they aren’t being paid for it, so they are making them do the jobs that they

don’t want to do?

Yes, definitely … you must get a good organization. Some organizations I feel can be like

that but for example, the Red Cross, no, everyone has the same job, they do their own job

and they help each other out.

Perfect … so how would you rate it overall?

Volunteering?

Yes …

Do you think it is good, bad or is it average?

I think it is excellent for experience because you can volunteer anywhere normally and see if

you like it and going further in it. Say for me with swimming, went ahead and did my courses

and then realized I didn’t like it. It would have been a waste of money and my time but

because I volunteered I knew I loved it and made a career out of it.

So… why do you volunteer then? What is it about volunteering that makes you want to

do it?

Am … I love to help places. Like places like the Red Cross they can’t afford all the people

that they have involved so volunteers are necessary to help them out, and with the swimming

I just love teaching kids and I cannot get enough of it.

Nice … do you feel a sense of satisfaction and motivation when you are volunteering?

Ah ya … I do somedays and then somedays I wouldn’t. As you have bad days like life gets

in the way whatever … you would be rushing to go after college and like you would be in

bad form going to work like, but you must get on with it and do it.

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Because you commit to volunteering every now and again, what motivates you to get up

and go to it like there might be a day when you are having a bad day like you say but

because you have already committed to it what makes you go?

Ah… It is definitely the kids I’m working with and the people I am working with while I am

volunteering. Like they are volunteers to, so they will push you a long too and you meet new

people, every time you volunteer you meet new people, so ya, you just meet new people.

So, it’s good for the social aspect then?

Yes, very good for the social aspect.

So, then am … what are the benefits of engaging in voluntary work then?

Ah… like I said the experience, the social aspect, making new friends and am… your

qualities, making them better, like if you find it hard to talk to strangers, when you are

volunteering you must because you are put in that position then they aren’t strangers anymore

and it makes life easier and … ya.

So, you’ve mentioned some qualities there, so, that brings me onto the question, what

skills and qualities have you as a person improved on since getting involved in voluntary

work?

Ah … with the swimming I have improved on my communication with talking to the parents

and the students. With the Red Cross it is a big one because you are always on your toes with

it and you can’t panic, you need to learn to be less stressed so, I’ve learned to take a beat,

relax and keep going.

…

Very good … and for the work you have done in the different organizations, have you

received any recognition for that work and if so, how did it affect you?

Am … can you repeat that question again?

Yes… so within the work that you have done in the different organizations … did you

receive any recognition for the work that you did, or did you just go in do the work and

go home? …

Ah…

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Like were you praised for what you had done for them?

Yes… so in my experience with the swimming no, you just went in and did your job …

Did you find that hard?

Yes, very hard, that made things very hard, and then … when I did it for the Red Cross it was

good because all the people that were a head of you praised you … pat on the back.

And would you get any token of appreciation or was it just a pat on the back?

Well with the Red Cross it is like stepping stones so if they think you are very good they tell

you and then if job opportunities come up they think of you first and with the paramedics

they think of you first.

Very good … and being praised and not being praised, how did that affect you? Like

for the swimming you said you were going in and doing your job then going home not

getting praised, do you feel like that was a waste of your time?

Yes … and I didn’t really want to go in every time but then I didn’t want to let people down,

then when you go in and don’t get praised for it you don’t want Wednesday to come, I

volunteered on Wednesdays, you were going in and just feel like you could have been doing

something else with your time.

And then with the Red Cross, how did that affect you?

Am … oh brilliant, because like you have those bad days and then you go in and they say

well done you are doing brilliant and then at least you know you are doing good so …

Have you received any training for the work that you have done? Did you have to go

and do it yourself or?

Red Cross will provide you with that training over the years, but I had that done myself

anyways because I am in a course for it.

Do they cover the cost for the course for the people in it now?

Yes … for the people in it now they could cover the cost of the courses but not for me, but I

had done the course first and with the swimming then nothing.

So, you must go about that yourself?

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Yes…

And then… if you are volunteering and you had one course done but wanted to go to

the next step, would they offer to pay for you then or?

No,

You still must go do it yourself?

Yes, must do all the training yourself.

That is kind of tough

…

Ok I am going to move onto a few questions based on future employment … do you feel

volunteering can help with obtaining employment in the future?

Ya, am …

Like we will say people in secondary school now, would you encourage them to

volunteer in an area that they are interested in before they decide what they want to do

in college?

Yeah, fact …

Why?

Ah … because imagine they did their leaving cert and wanted to do business and spent 4

years doing business and hated it, that’s 4 years of their lives wastes and money down when

they could have done a year of volunteering and seen if they liked it, the atmosphere there,

what you had to do and sitting in an office …

Yeah… so did the experience you got help you in any way?

Ya, so I volunteered in 5th and 6th year and then took a completely different route, I was

volunteering in the Red Cross and I loved it but then I didn’t think I could have a career in it,

so I went and did something else but then came back into the Red Cross and I am in

paramedics now.

And with the swimming … the volunteering you did with that, did the experience you

had like put you a head of someone else?

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Ya, it put me a head of the people that didn’t have experience already in the area, so even

with my experience and someone who did the course. I would be asked first for the job

because I was the one who had the previous experience working with kids.

So, you would encourage people in school to get involved in voluntary work?

Yes …

Before they make any decisions on their future.

Perfect, and do you think the contacts you have made while volunteering will benefit

you?

Yes… both because I now have a job with the swimming where I teach swimming on a

Thursday evening, that helped me. Because I was in the Marlin club that helped me and with

the Red Cross it will help me because I am in it now and I am getting to know everyone.

They will have the contacts with the paramedics which I am involved in now.

So, in your opinion, do you feel like it is more male or female volunteering? Female …

because I feel like it benefits them more than males as they know what they want and are

uneducated.

Males get more involved in the coaching side…

Yes… they are coaching like females have more time whereas males would be coaching

football on a Tuesday, hurling on a Wednesday and so on …

So, like would you agree that male and females volunteer in different areas? Females

are in like charity shops and more involved in like caring for the elderly while men are

more into the sports volunteering?

Yes, I would agree with that.

Ok, within your time in volunteering, have you experienced any barriers?

Ah no … not yet … well maybe with the swimming, that can be tough because you don’t get

praised for it and you mightn’t see the point of going back, but you go back for the kids.

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Do you feel it can be difficult and challenging at times?

Yes, it can be …

And just to finish off then … do you think the number of people volunteering is

increasing or decreasing or is there more people interested in being paid for the work

that they do?

I think it is decreasing with long term volunteers. There are more people interested in doing

it once off. Like I see it with the swimming … I’m probably the only volunteer left, and it is

all new people coming in. like people do it for a couple of weeks and then are fed up of it.

And do you think it is more younger people or older people?

It is more younger people, like in the swimming we still have 2 older people, but it is the

younger people that are in and out. So, ya long term is on the decrease and younger people

are taking over.

Perfect… that’s everything. I would just like to thank you again for taking part in this

interview and it was very interesting to get your view on some of the topics.

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Interview 5

Thank you for participating in this interview. I am going to ask you a few questions

based on your volunteer experience. So, just to start off, tell me a little bit about

yourself?

My name is A, I’m 19 and I am from Clonmel in Co. Tipperary.

So, this interview is based on your volunteer experience and just volunteering in

general. So, where do you volunteer and why did you choose that organization?

I was a volunteer in the girl guides in Clonmel and I volunteered here because I was part of

the girl guides when I was younger.

So, roughly how long have you been volunteering for?

I volunteered for about a month. I did it while I was in TY and 5th year but have stopped it

now because I am in college now and don’t really have the time to do it anymore.

Does it take up a lot of time?

Ah… it was 3 times a week and for an hour.

Perfect … so, so tell me about your volunteer experience then? Has it all been positive?

Is there a mix of positive and negatives or?

Am … I feel like it has been a mix because it was positive to help and have a laugh with all

the kids and see them happy and all but then negative because it was taking up my time where

I could be getting assignments and stuff done or else am … increasing my hours in work and

getting paid.

Ya, so you aren’t being paid so it is like, you are doing it out of your own free will, that

kind of way …

Yeah …

How would you rate it then over all? Like would there be something … you said you

did it for just a month… was there time there that you really enjoyed and would go

back again if you were free … when you are in college if there was time that you were

free that you would go back and help out or would you get involved in a different

organization?

Am …

Like do you see volunteering as beneficial?

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Am … I thought it was beneficial to help and if you had more time to do it, I just didn’t have

the time to do it. I felt like I was losing out on time where I could be doing other things so,

maybe if I had to do it as part of assignment to do in college I would probably go back to the

girl guides or else try something different.

So, it depends on the organization too, like you might get more out of one organization

than the other, like we will say coaching, you are involved with loads of different teams,

girl guides you are set to the one.

Ya, you are set to the one.

…

So, like why do you volunteer? Why did you get involved?

Am … I first started volunteering because I had to but then… it was part of our TY experience

but then I kept it on because I enjoyed it and I did Gaisce and it was part of that.

How were you recruited by them then? Did you know other people … like why did you

choose the girl guides? Was there someone you knew in there or was it from your

experience?

From my experience of being involved in the girl guides so I kind of had their contacts

already. It was easy for me to contact them and …

You wanted to give something back after being involved for so long.

…

Right, do you feel a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment while volunteering?

Am … I got enjoyment from being able to see kids becoming more confident and come out

of themselves and not be as shy am … yes, I thought it was beneficial to me.

And what enjoyment did you get, was it just the kids or did you enjoy giving something

back?

Yeah, so we went on trips, so I had to organize them for the kids …

So, there’s a fun part to it that you get to benefit from that they get enjoyment from.

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Yeah … so, I got to go on the trips not just them and like I was enjoying it as much as they

were as well.

…

Perfect … and what is it about volunteering that motivates you to participate? …

So, like I know you don’t get paid for volunteering but is there something … like we

will say now you are in college, would you volunteer in other organizations now or just

no? is there anything about volunteering that would steer you towards it again or would

you do it more once off, if you were needed?

If I was needed and someone asked me or if they came up to me and asked if I would like to

come back, I would probably go back for a little while but wouldn’t keep it on for a long

period of time because it does take up a lot of time …

You are more interested in like the once off basis rather than committing to it long term.

Yeah …

Perfect so … like in your own opinion, what are the benefits of engaging in voluntary

work?

Am … there is benefits because you get satisfaction out of helping other people and you get

to see other people evolve in themselves and develop more skills and then by doing it yourself

you develop more skills that you might need in like college or further.

Yeah, so, what skills and qualities have you learned or improved on, there might be

your own personal skills, your own communication skills, team building I suppose if

you are working in that kind of …

Yeah, I used to be quiet and not really talk much but volunteering has helped me come out

of myself and the kids as well because you must communicate with them, telling them what

to do and you kind of must take charge whether you are willing to or not.

It helps with your social skills as well…

Communicating with other people, especially when you are organizing the trips, you must

contact the organizations and places that you are going to

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It works on your organizations skills too

Yeah…

Very good, and for the work that you have done within the girl guides, have you

received any recognition for the work that you did?

Well … not during the work but at the end when they knew I was leaving they had flowers

for me to say goodbye and to say thanks for all the work that I did.

And how did that affect you?

I felt like I had given something back and it wasn’t just for me, for my Gaisce that they got

something out of it too.

And it wasn’t just like a waste of time for you…

Yeah so, I was doing something for them and helped them.

Perfect, so we are just going to move onto a few questions based on future employment.

Do you feel by volunteering that it can help with obtaining employment in the future?

Like we will say, the people in secondary school now, would you encourage them to

volunteer in an area that they are interested in, so it helps them choose where they want

to go afterwards.

Yes, so I think it would help people if they were studying sport or business and volunteered

in like a football club then they can see if they like it and if it suits them to do that after

college and if not then they will have to change what they want to do or …

And then they aren’t wasting their time because if they go to college and do 4 years in

sport and realize they don’t like it, it is a waste.

Yeah and then they will have to go back, and they will be older.

Wasting time and money there

…

So, would you encourage people, people who are younger than you to get involved in

volunteer work now?

Yeah, so, maybe do it now before they choose what they want to do in college, so, do it

before the leaving cert so that they know and have a feel for what they actually like doing

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and maybe choose like two different places to volunteer and see if they like one better or if

they liked any of them and if not don’t pick that to do in college.

Perfect, and do you think the contacts you have made, like there might be people in the

girl guides, they obviously had jobs outside of that as well, like an area you are

interested in, do you think the contacts there will help you?

Well … none of the people there had any jobs outside in business but it might help me if I

needed a reference, like me being committed to something.

Help them put your name forward for something

…

Yeah

Very good … with the girl guides, did you receive any training for the volunteer work

that you were involved in or was it based on your experience?

I was kind of just thrown in… you had to have first aid and they knew that I already had that

so that’s why I didn’t have to have any training done.

So, it is based off your own experience and then the qualifications you already had done

outside.

Yeah

…So, if there was someone who wasn’t in girl guides before and was getting involved,

would they be provided with training?

I know one person, they upgrade their training year so, she just went along to one of their

trainings,

Would they cover the cost for it then or?

Am … I think you cover the cost yourself because you are the one choosing to volunteer.

So, have you experienced any barriers while engaging in voluntary work?

Not totally, but the fact it takes up so much time and I gave it up and increased my hours in

work, so I was getting paid for those hours instead of not getting paid for the hour

volunteering. Am … like it hasn’t put me off it, but I just don’t have the time.

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It is very time consuming.

Yeah

…

Do you feel volunteering can be difficult and challenging at times?

Sometimes it is challenging but then you just must move around plans and when you know

you are volunteering on the Sunday morning you make plans at a different time.

Do you feel like in some organizations that volunteers are taken advantage of because

they aren’t being paid that they are doing the work that the people running the

organization don’t want to do?

In some of them maybe, but in the girl guides you are putting yourself forward to volunteer,

so no one is making you do it. Give it up if you want but it is the passion people must keep

it going because if the volunteers weren’t there the organization wouldn’t be there.

…

Do you think it is younger or older people volunteering?

It kind of depends on what the organization is, sport is younger people but in the likes of girl

guides it is older people and then when they are finished their 9 to 5 job they are doing it in

the evenings.

Something for them to do afterwards.

Yeah.

Do you think it is more male or female, more male in the sports side and female in the

charity side and caring for others?

Yeah, so it depends on what the organization is that you are volunteering for, but the girl

guides were all female but then you have scouts and that is more male so, I just think it

depends on what the organization is.

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Ok… and just to finish off, do you think the number in people volunteering is increasing

or decreasing? Do you think people are more willing to do it once off rather than long

term or?

I think it Is decreasing, people are willing to do it more once off rather than long term because

they have their other jobs that they are being paid for, so they are more intrigued to increase

their hours in work they are going to get paid for rather than volunteering so.

That’s great, thanks again for taking part. I really enjoyed listening to your take on the

whole aspect of volunteering.

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Interview 6

Thank you for taking part in this interview. I will be asking a few questions based on

your volunteer experience.

So, we will start with … tell me about yourself?

My name is M, I’m from Kilkenny, I’m 22 and I am currently in Waterford Institute of

Technology in 4th year.

So, this interview is based on your volunteer experience and volunteering in general.

So, where do you volunteer and why did you choose that organization?

Am … I volunteer in several organizations, I help in the college in a peer to peer program,

this is set up for incoming first years to help them get used to the college life. Am … I also

volunteer with my local clubs, soccer and camogie clubs, I help train the underage teams.

With the camogie I train the minor teams and with the soccer u7s.

Within those organizations, did you receive any training?

Yes, I have, I’ve done 2 or 3 training days with the peer to peer program and with the soccer

and camogie it is just kind of like you are shadowing first and that is kind of your training

for that part of it and then you get different training days so, it might be first aid or manual

handling or something like that.

Would the club cover the cost of those then?

Yeah, they would.

…

From your time in volunteering, tell me about your experience. Has it all been positive

or is there a mix of positive and negatives?

Am… well… to a certain degree it has all been positive so far, obviously there is challenges

and barriers that you must overcome, that just comes with it but overall it has been positive.

So, in your own opinion then, how would you rate it?

It is a very good thing to do. I’d recommend people to get involved.

Perfect … that brings me on to the next set of questions. Why do you volunteer? Was

there someone involved in it already that you knew?

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Yeah … I got asked to do the peer to peer program, but I had already thought of doing it

myself anyway. With the clubs and that they were looking for a minor trainer for the camogie,

so I said I’d give a helping hand and just said I’d give something back, same with the soccer.

…

Do you feel a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment while volunteering?

Yes … definitely. It motivates you to get involved. It just shows what people have done for

you and like coming up through the years like I obviously took part in that peer to peer

program when I was in firs year, on the other side of it and I thought it really benefitted me

so to give that is … motivational.

What aspects of volunteering motivate you to participate and the benefits. Like what

skills and qualities have you learned or improved on while volunteering?

Yeah, so you gain many skills and qualities from it. You kind of build your confidence when

working with others and like you know different age groups and stuff like that, helps you

work with different people in the community. Am… communication, confidence, leadership

all those kinds of things.

Team building?

Yeah. team building would be a very big one in all aspects of volunteering.

Perfect … so this brings me onto questions based on future employment. Do you feel

volunteering can with obtaining employment in the future?

Yeah … like from doing this you gain many skills and qualities, you also gain experience

within certain areas and as we know today is all about experience and what you have on your

CV.

So, would you encourage people in secondary school now to get involved in volunteer

work now in areas that might interest them before they decide what they want to do.

Yes, especially in 4th year when you have loads of time. I took part in loads of volunteering

when I was in 4th year just even like coaching or swimming lessons for primary schools.

It gives them an idea of what they want to do after …

Yeah… and even throughout the summer, even if you just take a week here and there to do

like work experience and it will definitely build your experience and build your confidence

and it will give you knowledge of what area you want to go into.

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Do you think, like the contacts you have made in the college or within the different

clubs, do you think the contacts you have made will help you with obtaining

employment in the future?

Like I am obviously interested in the sports side, getting involved with clubs, teams so having

contacts there will help me and it is also beneficial because you can us these people as

references and it might be an eye catcher for future employment because if you get a good

reference from them it is beneficial.

So, within the work that you’ve done within these organizations, have you received any

recognition for the work that you’ve done?

Am … yeah, this year with the peer to peer, at the end of the year there was an awards day,

so we got like food and that after it.it is not even about the awards at the end of the day, it is

about your work being appreciated and working with other people.

You feel like you aren’t wasting your time then …

Yeah … that recognition just shows that the work you have done is appreciated.

Do you feel like in some organizations that they take advantage of those volunteering,

kind of getting them to the work that they don’t want to do?

Yeah … well I’m lucky now I haven’t experienced that but yeah definitely you would know

a lot of people that would.

Ok… I’ll just move onto a few questions on the barriers of volunteering, have you

experienced any barriers while volunteering and if so what were they?

Am … well I suppose it kind of goes without saying, you always face barriers and it also

depends on who you are working with. Challenges do arise, it is just the fact of overcoming

them. I think that is more of a benefit rather than a barrier because it teaches you valuable

lessons and stuff for the future and that.

And do you think volunteering can be difficult at times? Like if you committed to

volunteering and then something comes up but you kind of must go to the volunteering

because you have already committed to it.

Yeah it can be in that way, but you just must manage your time well and again it is probably

another negative that you would turn into a positive. Like you look at time management there

and like if you were getting paid for it you wouldn’t pick your other plans over that. So, yeah

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it can be difficult and challenging at times, but you just must overcome it. Just knowing that

being appreciated for the work you do is good enough. Know that they value that and value

your commitment to the organizations. You are doing it for the enjoyment of it and giving

back to the community and you get good satisfactions from it.

Last few questions so, do you think it is older or younger people volunteering?

Ah … I say it is more younger people … it is more younger people, but I don’t think people

will have stopped completely but the younger people are taking over.

Is it more male or female then? Like male are more involved in coaching and female in

the caring for others side …

Yeah … that’s it, the woman is in more organizations whether it is sports club or … but

saying that though the woman does help in the sports clubs too.

Just to finish off then, do you feel volunteering is increasing or decreasing?

I think long term volunteering is decreasing and episodic is increasing, like people are more

willing to do it on a once off basis rather than long term like I wouldn’t commit to it anything

for real long but if I was asked every now and again definitely. So, episodic is increasing and

long term is decreasing.

Perfect, thank you for taking part I really enjoyed listening to your view on

volunteering.

An Investigation in to what attracts and motivates volunteers

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