AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightThe findings indicate that volunteers are typically recruited into organisations through social networks and event-based invitations, and that both internal (moral satisfaction, spiritual meaning, and desire to learn) and relational (social benefit, sense of belonging, and recognition) motivations are decisive in the continuity of volunteering.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
This study was conducted to understand the sustainability of volunteering in civil society organisations and the sources of volunteer motivation. This study comprehensively examines the conceptual foundations, historical development, motivational dynamics, and organisational sustainability elements of volunteering. Within the framework of a qualitative research approach, a phenomenological design was employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers and volunteer coordinators at two civil society organisations operating in Istanbul. The data obtained were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that volunteers are typically recruited into organisations through social networks and event-based invitations, and that both internal (moral satisfaction, spiritual meaning, and desire to learn) and relational (social benefit, sense of belonging, and recognition) motivations are decisive in the continuity of volunteering. Additionally, it was determined that leadership, flexible task planning, recognition, and social activities play a critical role in the sustainability of volunteering. The research highlights that addressing the individual, organisational, and cultural dimensions of volunteering together is a fundamental requirement for developing sustainable volunteering policies.