An Investigation into the Motivation of Volunteers: Regional Case

Journal of Social Policy Studies. 2025. Vol. 23. No. 1. P. 139–152.

Sirotkina N. G., Zuyeva E. E., Pavlovskaya S. V.

Understanding volunteers’ motivations is crucial for effective engagement with this group. This study examines the motivations of volunteers in Nizhny Novgorod and the Nizhny Novgorod region, focusing on the differences among various age groups, residents of metropolitan cities and small towns, as well as regular and episodic volunteers. Special attention is given to evaluating the level of satisfaction with volunteer work and identifying organizational challenges. This study uses data from a survey conducted among 220 respondents engaged in volunteer activities and residing in Nizhny Novgorod and the Nizhny Novgorod region. The Functional Theory of Motivation, developed by Clary E. and Snyder M., guided the questionnaire design. The findings indicate that volunteer motivations are significantly influenced by age: younger individuals are primarily interested in self-actualization and skill development, while more mature volunteers are driven by the desire to help those in need or address socially meaningful issues. Episodic volunteers tend to be less motivated and less satisfied with their work outcomes, suggesting that managing this group requires more effort and attention. Volunteers in the Nizhny Novgorod region generally exhibit higher motivation levels than those in Nizhny Novgorod, although their job satisfaction is relatively low, which may indicate organizational shortcomings. The most significant problems in organizing volunteer work include inadequate media coverage of volunteer opportunities, insufficient participant numbers in projects, and limited opportunities for grassroots initiatives. At the same time, volunteers from the city and the region differ in their assessment of the importance of these issues. This study contributes to the understanding of volunteer motivation by highlighting areas that require further attention: tailored approaches for older volunteers, differentiated management strategies for traditional and episodic volunteers, and improvements in organizing volunteer work in small towns of the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Keywords: некоммерческий сектор, мотивация, motivation, волонтерская деятельность, волонтерские организации, volunteer organizations, non-profit sector, Episodic volunteering, volunteering activity, эпизодическое волонтерство