Different motivations for volunteering are associated with different outcomes for Australian animal welfare volunteers: a mixed-methods analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Inspired by the important role volunteers play in Australian society, the current study examined the relationship between different motivations for volunteering and different outcomes experienced by animal welfare volunteers. Method An anonymous, self-report questionnaire was completed online by 278 volunteers (84.53% female; M age  = 45.19 years, SD = 18.13) of a large state-wide animal welfare organisation. A latent profile analysis was conducted with data collected using the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI), and interpreted alongside a thematic analysis of qualitative responses. Results Three groups of participants were identified, characterised by different prominent motivations to volunteer: personal values (values-driven group); personal values and personal growth (personal-gain group); and personal values, personal growth, and career-related factors (experience-oriented group). Values-driven volunteers experienced both pleasure and stress from the enactment of values-driven behaviour, and experienced increased opportunity for socialisation. Personal-gain volunteers experienced increased opportunity for socialisation and increased sense of purpose. Experience-oriented volunteers derived pleasure from enacting personal values, and increased opportunity to gain experience in animal-care. Conclusions Motivations for volunteering are complex and multifaceted. The current findings highlight how motivationally congruent volunteering behaviours can be associated with a range of positive outcomes for volunteers. Key Points What is already known about this topic: Volunteering is associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes. Australian volunteers are heterogenous in terms of demographics and motivations for volunteering. Mixed-method analyses can produced nuanced understandings of complex topics. What this topic adds: Volunteers have complex and multifaceted motivations for volunteering. Volunteering behaviours are associated with positive outcomes when these behaviours are congruent with motivations to volunteer. Volunteers may experience a range of positive social, psychological and practical outcomes when they engage in motivationally congruent volunteering.